Astronomers have identified an Earth-sized planet orbiting a sun-like star located just 73 light years away.

Previous observations by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in 2020 had detected two larger planets around the same star.

The recent discovery of the Earth-sized planet emerged from follow-up observations aimed at validating the earlier findings.

While Earth-sized planets have been found around distant stars before, most were orbiting smaller red dwarf stars rather than G-type main sequence stars like our sun.

The newfound planet’s relatively close proximity provides an opportunity for more in-depth study, offering potential insights not previously available, The Debrief reported.

A notable characteristic is that the planet is tidally locked, with one side always facing its host star, reaching a scorching 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, while the other side remains in perpetual darkness, staying below freezing.

The host star, HD 63433, is relatively young, at around 400 million years old, making it 90 percent younger than the sun. Additionally, its brightness allows for observation without the need for powerful telescopes.

Written by B.C. Begley

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