NASA Finds Earth’s Bigger and Older Cousin

NASA scientists have identified the best bet yet for an Earth-like planet that might harbour life.

A graphical illustration of Kepler-452b by NASA. (Photo: AP screengrab)

Scientists have identified the best bet yet for an Earth-like planet that might harbour life.

Researchers announced their discovery on Thursday based on observations from NASA’s Kepler space telescope. This older, bigger cousin of Earth is called Kepler-452b.

What makes this planet remarkable is that it orbits its star at about the same distance that Earth orbits the sun.

Scientists say it’s the closest thing we have to another Earth-sun twin system.

The planet is in a solar system that is 1,400 light years from our own.