Astronomers identify 24 habitable, Earth-like planets

Water attracts astronomers to these zones. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK

Drawing on updated stellar data and planetary records, researchers have compiled a catalogue of rocky exoplanets located within habitable zones - regions around stars where liquid water could potentially exist.

The study highlights 45 planets as the candidates for supporting life, out of more than 6000 confirmed exoplanets discovered to date. A further subset of 24 planets falls within a more restrictive definition of habitability.

The concept of the habitable zone remains central to the search for life beyond Earth. It refers to the orbital region around a star where the temperatures aren't too extreme. Water, essential for life, makes this zone a primary target for astronomers.

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