NASA scientists have confirmed the discovery of an Earth-like planet located in the habitable zone of a distant star system, raising hopes in the search for extraterrestrial life. Named Kepler-452c, the planet orbits a sun-like star roughly 1,400 light-years from Earth and has conditions that may support liquid water.

According to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the planet is about 60% larger than Earth, with a similar orbital period and temperature range. Scientists believe its rocky surface and atmosphere may be capable of sustaining microbial life.

The discovery was made using data from the Kepler Space Telescope and later verified with ground-based observatories. Astrophysicists emphasize that while Kepler-452c is not a twin of Earth, it is one of the closest matches found to date.

“This is a significant step forward in our quest to answer the question: Are we alone in the universe?” said Dr. Elena Diaz, a senior scientist at NASA. Follow-up missions like the James Webb Space Telescope will aim to analyze the planet’s atmosphere for potential biosignatures.