A newly discovered planet known as Proxima b was thought to have the potential to host life. But now scientists say that it is an "ocean planet" with water covering its entire surface.

Researchers from the Marseille Astrophysics Laboratory determined this presence of water on the surface of the planet, which could be home to alien life.

Like Us on Facebook

Proxima Centauri is the closest star system to our solar system. Proxima b lies within the habitable zone of its system. This means that it is not too near or far from its sun to create ideal conditions for water. It is around 1.3 times the size of Earth, located 4.22 light years away.

Scientists believe that this is the first exoplanet that can be visited by robotic probes from Earth. However, to reach Proxima b, current spacecraft technologies will need of travel 70,000 years to reach it.

In this new study, scientists were able to calculate the dimensions of the surface of Proxima b. They suggest that this planet is entirely covered by a global liquid ocean estimated to be 200 kilometers deep.

However, compared to Earth, Proxima b is much closer to its star. However, since Proxima Centauri is a red dwarf, it is a cooler star than our sun yet temperate enough to sustain life. The team said that Proxima b is in an orbit that allow conditions for liquid water on its surface, which means it can support life. The water on the surface of the planet would potentially harbor life forms.

According to the lead author of the study, Bastien Brugger of the Marseille Astrophysics Laboratory, thousands of planets have been discovered. However, Proxima b is one of the best candidates for potential life. He added that there could still be life on the planet today and not only during its early formation.

This new study has been published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.