Ever wonder what the most earth-like planets in the universe are? Or, at least in this universe? Could you imagine life on any other planet than Earth? Well, while the possibility of this existing has neither been confirmed or denied, scientists have discovered several planets that hold some similarities to our mother land. While more research on the matter has to be undertaken, there are voices that have stated these planets could potentially support life.
The planets in our top 8 were ranked according to how they score on the Earth Similarity Index, a scale devised by researchers in an attempt to evaluate how habitable a certain planet is. Let’s take a look at the countdown.
No. 8: Gliese 581 d
Photo Credit: Tyrogthekreeper
Earth Similarity Index: 50%
While researching a star called Gliese 581 back in 2011, a team of French scientist came to the conclusion that one of the planets located on it, more specifically the fifth one, Gliese 581 d, had the potential to be inhabited.
No. 7: Mars
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Earth Similarity Index: 64%
Our list would not have been complete without mentioning our little red neighbor. The closest celestial body to Earth also bears a decent resemblance to it, of about 64%.
See the rest of the most earth-like planets scientists have discovered:
No. 6: HD 40307 g
Photo Credit: ESO
Earth Similarity Index: 67%
Although opinions are still divided when it comes to HD 40307 g, some do believe that liquid water and a night and day cycle do exist on the planet. Astronomer R. Barnes, on the other hand, thinks that HD is more Neptun-like rather than Earth-like.
No. 5: Gliese 163 c
Photo Credit: Hervé Piraud
Earth Similarity Index: 68%
Gliese 163 c is the biggest Earth-like planet yet discovered. Although the 140°F temperature on Gliese 163 c, would be a little too much to bare for the average person, microorganisms could surely thrive in this environment.
No. 4: Tau Ceti e
Photo Credit: Icalanise
Earth Similarity Index: 74%
Tau Ceti has been around for twice as long as our solar system and it is home to a planet that bears some Earth-like resemblance. With nearly half of the light that our own planet receiver, Tau Ceti e does have the ability to potentially sustain life.
No. 3: Kepler-22b
Photo Credit: NASA Blueshift
Earth Similarity Index: 75%
Nearly 600 light years away lies a little planet called Kepler-22b, which might very well be considered Earth’s long forgotten sister. Kepler has a very similar orbit and its years lasts 290 days. The surface temperature is believed to also be similar to our own, but there is little info whether Kepler’s atmosphere could facilitate life on the planet, or dismiss it all together.
No. 2: Gliese 667C c
Photo Credit: Kanijoman
Earth Similarity Index: 79%
Although there is doubt whether Gliese 667C c actually rotates or not, the surface temperature of 85°F makes it more than welcoming.
No. 1: Gliese 581 g
Photo Credit: NASA Blueshift
Earth Similarity Index: 82%
Gliese 581 g, the fourth planet in its system, has had a rocky journey since it was first discovered. At times, its existence was denied, only to be resurrected once more, and at one point it was even awarded with a 92% similarity to Earth. Although the percentage has now dropped to 82%, the Gliese 581 g is still the most Earth-like planet out there.
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