Newly-discovered planets could support oceans ... and life

Life may have evolved on at least three planets in a newly discovered solar system just 39 light years from Earth, scientists believe.

Astronomers have detected no less than seven Earth-sized worlds orbiting a cool dwarf star known as TRAPPIST-1.

The six inner planets lie in a temperate zone where surface temperatures range from zero to 100C.

Of these, at least three are thought to be capable of having oceans.

British astronomer Dr Chris Copperwheat, from Liverpool John Moores University, who co-led the international team, said: “The discovery of multiple rocky planets with surface temperatures which allow for liquid water make this amazing system an exciting future target in the search for life.”

Graphic: PA. The seven Earth-sized worlds which are orbiting the cool dwarf star TRAPPIST-1.