The surface of the newly discovered exoplanet called Gliese 486 b, a type of planet known as a "hot super-Earth" is seen in an undated artist's impression. With a surface temperature of about 430 degrees Celsius/800 degrees Fahrenheit/700 degrees Kelvin, astronomers suspect that the planet has a Venus-like hot and dry landscape interspersed with glowing lava rivers, possibly with a tenuous atmosphere. Renderarea/Handout via REUTERS
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Scientists have spotted a planet orbiting a star relatively near our solar system that may offer a prime opportunity to study the atmosphere of a rocky Earth-like alien world - the type of research that could aid the hunt for extraterrestrial life.
The researchers said on Thursday the planet, called Gliese 486 b and classified as a 'super-Earth,' is not itself a promising candidate as a refuge for life. It is thought to be inhospitable - hot and dry like Venus, with possible rivers of lava flowing on its surface.
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