Experts claim that this year the first planet will be found on which life will be possible just like on Earth and that this discovery will make many people wonder about humanity's place in the universe, reports Radio Free Europe.
Although astronomers have found a relatively large number of exoplanets in recent years that have one or two similar characteristics to Earth, such as size or surface temperature, they are still searching for a planet that possesses all or most of the characteristics that Earth has. Experts say that will change in 2013.
"I am very sure that the first planet, Earth's twin, will be discovered next year," said Abel Mendez of the University of Puerto Rico.
None of the 2.300 discovered planets are small enough to be Earth's twin. All Earth-sized planets are too close to their stars to be habitable
Since 2009, the Kepler space telescope has discovered more than 2.300 potential exoplanets. So far, this status has been confirmed for only one hundred of them, but scientists believe that at least 80 percent of them will receive this status.
However, none of these discovered planets are small enough to be Earth's twin. All Earth-sized planets are too close to their stars to be habitable.
However, most experts believe that a rocky Earth-sized planet orbiting its star at the perfect distance will soon be discovered. If such a planet were really discovered, that discovery would have a great impact on humanity.
Scientists hope that the discovery of such a planet would force our species to take its first real steps outside our solar system.
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