New planet is best hope yet for alien life – or a new home for humans

Scientists have discovered a new Earth-sized planet only 40 light-years away which could potentially support human – or alien – life.

The planet, named Gliese 12 b, was spotted by astronomers at the University of Warwick, who made the exciting discovery using Nasa satellites.

With an estimated surface temperature of around 42C, experts say it is one of the few known rocky planets where humans could theoretically survive ...