Two super earths have been discovered orbiting the same star.
Image courtesy of Unsplash
Astronomers have made the findings on a multi-planet system 33 light years away, meaning it is one of the closest to our solar system.
Both of the planets are bigger than Earth and are a potential home for alien lifeforms as they orbit a red dwarf star.
Michelle Kunimoto, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, said: "Both planets in this system are each considered among the best targets for atmospheric study because of the brightness of their star.
"Is there a volatile-rich atmosphere around these planets? And are there signs of water or carbon-based species?
"These planets are fantastic test beds for those explorations."
The team discovered the super earths as they passed between our planet and their star in orbit. A NASA telescope identified them through faint dips in starlight as they went by.