Astronomers have found that super-Earths may exist in wider orbits around their stars than previously believed. This suggests these rocky or 'Earth-like' worlds are far more common than known.
Super-Earths are planets with masses up to ten times that of Earth but smaller than gas giants. The discovery of a small planet in a Saturn-like orbit indicates that super-Earths in orbits between Earth and Saturn are abundant. 'The abundance of super-Earths was surprising,' said astronomer Jennifer Yee.
Previously, data from the Kepler space telescope suggested super-Earths were common only within Earth-Sun distances. This new study shows they also exist at greater distances, up to ten times Earth's orbit.
The findings may also reshape our understanding of habitable zones—regions where liquid water could exist. Super-Earths in wider orbits around hotter stars might still fall within habitable zones, expanding possibilities for life.