It is located in a star system less than 20 light-years away, making it one of the closest candidates for further research.

HD 20794 d completes its orbit just shy of two Earth years, placing it well within reach of conditions that might harbor life.

Scientists have discovered a so-called “super-Earth” planet, potentially capable of supporting life, orbiting a sun -like star just 20 light-years away.

An exoplanet is a planet outside our solar system that usually orbits a star in our galaxy. More than 7,000 have been found in the Milky Way since the first confirmed discovery in the 1990s, and "billions more remain to be discovered", said Tech Explorist.

Astronomers who identified HD 20794 d say its proximity to its host star and orbital pattern suggest it could hold water.

But according to an international team of researchers, including some from the University of Geneva, in a study published Tuesday in Astronomy & Astrophysics believe the super-Earth, dubbed HD 20794 d, could offer new insights into what makes a planet capable of supporting life.

A planet that may support alien life has been discovered less than 20 light-years from Earth. The "promising" super-Earth - called HD 20794 d - may house water, according to the international research team that found it.

Astronomers have officially confirmed the existence of HD 20794 d, a super-Earth located just 20 light-years away, with conditions that could make it one of the most promising exoplanets for life beyond our solar system.