At a mere distance of 20 light years away, a faint red dwarf star Gliese 581 shines in the Libra constellation. On April, 2007, Switz scientists have made a breakthrough with the discovery of the earth-like planet Gliese 581c in the star's orbit. Unlike other super-earths, Gliese 581c is extremely near, and possibly the closest we can get to our sci-fi fictions.
Gliese 581c is the first extrasolar planet that scientists believe to have conditions similar to Earth. The planet's diameter is approximately 1.5 times larger than Earth. Depending on whether the planet is mainly ice/water or rocks, the gravity is can range from 1.25 to 2.25 than that of Earth's (still OK). It orbits closer to its sun so that there are only 13 days in a year, but since Gliese 581 gives off only half the energy of what our sun gives off, the planet's temperature varies from 0 to 40C. It is definitely possible that there is an atmosphere, water, and life on this planet. Furthermore, humans can live on it.
It's funny, Gliese 581c's galaxy is 4.3 billion years old. Our solar system is just 4.5 billion years old.
There is one threat to this planet: green house effect. Due to its potentially strong gravity, it might turn into a hot-pot and boil up. It is true! Look at what happened to Venus!
As for now, no direct evidence have been found regarding liquids or lifeforms on this planet (because we just discovered it!). It is, though, the main target for the search of extraterrestrial life for many years to come. To determine whether life exists over there will take years, but this will at least be possible since the distance is small enough to send over an interstellar probe.
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