Researchers say Earth-like exoplanet could be habitable

(CNN, KYMA) - There might be an Earth-like atmosphere on an exoplanet located 40 light years away from us.

Astronomers said the planet, similar to Earth in size, is part of the TRAPPIST-1 system.

The exoplanet was discovered during preliminary observations from the James Webb Space Telescope. Experts say they could soon confirm if the exoplanet is habitable and could sustain liquid water.

If confirmed, it would be a first in history to discover an Earth-like atmosphere on an exoplanet.

The TRAPPIST-1 planetary system was first located in 2016 by five Belgian astronomers, who also named it. Additional planets are known to orbit the star in the system that has been heavily studied.

The findings are published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.