Study Identifies 45 Rocky Exoplanets Potentially Capable of Supporting Life

An international team of researchers has identified 45 rocky exoplanets orbiting other stars in the Milky Way that may be capable of supporting life, according to a new study. The research narrows down the most promising candidates from more than 6,000 known exoplanets. Forbes reported these details in its coverage of the findings.

The study was published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Led by Professor Lisa Kaltenegger of Cornell University, the team analyzed data from the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission and NASA’s Exoplanet Archive. They focused on planets within the habitable zone, defined by conditions that allow liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface.

The planets featured in the movie Project Hail Mary, Tau Ceti and 40 Eridani A, are not on the shortlist.

The TRAPPIST-1 planets d, e, f, and g are situated about 40 light-years from Earth. The study explored the boundaries of habitability by identifying planets at the inner and outer edges of the habitable zone, as well as those with unusual orbital patterns.

The researchers say their findings can act as a shortlist of targets for the James Webb Space Telescope and upcoming missions such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The team’s analysis highlights planets that could refine scientists' understanding of habitability limits, including how much heat or cold a planet can tolerate while supporting life.

This shortlist emerges from a comprehensive review of exoplanet data, emphasizing rocky worlds with potential for liquid water. Forbes reported that the study draws on well-known exoplanets alongside less familiar ones to build this prioritized list.