Potential for life on nearby planet? U of A professor excited about the possibility

New planet may be able to support life, U of A professor says

An expert from the University of Arizona is excited about the potential for life on a possible new planet. The planet is not considered to be far away in astronomical terms. FOX 10's Brian Webb spoke with the professor to learn more.

PHOENIX - An astronomer at the University of Arizona is excited about the potential for life on a possible planet in the nearest solar system to our own.

What they're saying:

Kevin Wagner, a professor at the University of Arizona, says the planet in the Alpha Centauri system is a mere four light-years away, making it a close target in astronomical terms.

Wagner says the system has three stars, unlike our sun.

He says the potential planet is in a "habitable zone" that could support life and come with things that life likes, such as air and water.

The possible planet is interesting because it is close enough to be viewed by the James Webb Space Telescope.

"It's this so-called Goldilocks range in which the temperature is not too cold, not too hot, where you can have liquid water and life as we know it," Wagner said.

Dig deeper:

Wagner says if this is a planet, it's likely a gas giant, similar to Saturn and Jupiter. He believes a moon orbiting the planet would have the best chance of finding life.

The planet is also close enough that a robotic spacecraft could be sent there to get a closer look.

"I want to say absolutely, but I don’t believe anything absolutely but as close to confident as I can be. I think it would be surprising if we're the only life out there, " Wagner said.

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