New Planet Found Near Solar System; A Year Lasts Under 10 Days

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL — A planet roughly the size of earth is now the second-closest world to be detected so far outside our solar system. And for those thinking of traveling there any time soon, you'll find out you'll age quickly.

Ross 128 is just 11 light-years away and has surface temperatures potentially similar to ours. The planet is very close to its star and thus has a short orbit. A year on Ross 128 lasts just under 10 days.

The red dwarf star is cool though, so the planet doesn't get broiled. The star is also quiet, so there are no radiation flare-ups — encouraging news for those seeking aliens. The planet is believed to border the so-called habitable zone.

A team led by the University of Grenoble Alps' Xavier Bonfils made the discovery using La Silla Observatory in Chile. The findings were reported Wednesday.

NASA's exoplanet count stands at 3,550.

By MARCIA DUNN, AP Aerospace Writer

Photo credit: M. Kornmesser/ESO via AP