NASA Discovers ‘Super-Earth’ Exoplanet 137 Light Years Away

‘Much will depend on the planet’s other properties, including how massive it is and whether it can be classed as a ‘water world.’’

Artist's concept showing two of the seven planets discovered orbiting a sun-like star. Daniel Rutter/NASA

Astronomers recently discovered a “super-Earth” exoplanet orbiting the habitable zone 137 light years away from Earth, according to NASA, prompting further investigation into its potential to sustain life.

The planet, dubbed TOI-715 b, is about one and a half times as wide as Earth and orbits within the “conservative” habitable zone around its parent star, NASA stated in a press release dated Jan. 31.