The search for new planets with the same capabilities as Earth may have come to an end with the discovery of seven new exoplanets that have been found inhabiting a nearby star some 40 light years away. Well, “nearby” may be an understatement: These planets would take millions of years to reach. However, the idea of life similar to our own occuring somewhere out in space is an intriguing one.

NASA has named this cluster TRAPPIST-1 after discovering it on February 22, 2017. NASA believes that TRAPPIST-1 could be really significant because three of the seven exoplanets are considered habitable containing traces of of liquid water and adequate temperatures. Although all seven are said to possibly contain water, only these three have the capability to sustain oceans which is a necessary element for human life. However, there have been concerns with the star in which the planets are orbiting due to its smaller size and dimness. In comparison, our sun is about 5778 K where this star is only 2550K. It is also not nearly as old as our sun. Currently, the planets are being inspected to determine whether or not any of them contain atmospheres.

Almost 4000 exoplanets have been found in total; however, less than a dozen are considered suitable for life. According to NASA, only three previously known exoplanets were thought to be as ideal as TRAPPIST-1.