Introduction
For decades, scientists have looked to the stars in search of a “New Earth” — a planet with conditions similar to our own, capable of supporting life. Thanks to modern space missions like NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), we are closer than ever to identifying potentially habitable exoplanets.
Among the most exciting candidates is Gliese 12 b, a rocky world just 40 light-years away in the constellation Pisces. As of August 25, 2025, new observations continue to fuel curiosity about whether this planet could one day be considered Earth’s twin. Alongside Gliese 12 b, other discoveries such as TOI-715 b and K2-18 b are also shaping our understanding of habitable worlds.
This article explores the latest scientific updates, distance measurements, and habitability potential of these fascinating exoplanets.
📍 Gliese 12 b: The Closest “New Earth” Candidate
Distance from Earth
- Confirmed distance: 40 light-years (around 378 trillion km or 235 trillion miles).
- Method: Calculated using the stellar parallax method, where astronomers measure slight shifts in star positions from different Earth orbits.
- Stability: This distance hasn’t changed since its discovery in May 2024, and no updates have been issued in August 2025.
In astronomical terms, 40 light-years is close. To put this in perspective, our nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, is just over 4 light-years away.
Host Star
Gliese 12 b orbits a red dwarf star called Gliese 12, located in the constellation Pisces. Red dwarfs are smaller and cooler than the Sun, but they are notorious for releasing stellar flares, which could affect planetary atmospheres.
Key Features
- Planet Type: Likely rocky (1.1 times Earth’s radius).
- Orbital Distance: 0.07 AU from its star (1 AU is the Earth-Sun distance).
- Energy Received: 1.6 times Earth’s solar input.
- Estimated Temperature: Around 42°C (107°F) without an atmosphere; cooler if water vapor or CO₂ is present.
Habitability Potential
Because Gliese 12 b sits in the temperate zone, scientists are eager to know if it has an atmosphere. A protective atmosphere could stabilize temperatures and shield the surface from harmful radiation, increasing its habitability potential.
The James Webb Space Telescope has begun analyzing its light signatures. Early reports (August 2025) suggest there may be a thin atmosphere, but detailed composition results are still pending.
🚀 Travel Implications
While 40 light-years sounds nearby in cosmic terms, it is practically unreachable with today’s technology.
- At 20% the speed of light (a theoretical possibility for future probes), the journey would take 200 years.
- At the speed of current spacecraft, it would take tens of thousands of years.
For now, Gliese 12 b remains a subject of remote observation rather than a destination.
🌌 Other “New Earth” Candidates
🪐 TOI-715 b (137 Light-Years Away)
- Discovery: Detected in 2024 by TESS.
- Planet Type: Super-Earth (1.5 times Earth’s diameter).
- Distance: ~137 light-years (1.3 quadrillion km).
- Star: A red dwarf star, cooler than our Sun.
- Orbit: Completes a revolution every 19 days.
Recent Updates (July 2025):
JWST detected possible water vapor signatures in its atmosphere, raising hopes for habitability. Although larger than Earth, its position in the habitable zone makes it a promising study target.
🪐 K2-18 b (124 Light-Years Away)
- Discovery: First identified in 2015, revisited in 2023-2024 with JWST data.
- Planet Type: Sub-Neptune, around 8.6 Earth masses.
- Distance: ~124 light-years away.
- Atmosphere: Hydrogen-rich with potential oceans beneath.
Recent Updates (August 2025):
ESA-led studies confirmed the presence of methane and dimethyl sulfide — the latter is sometimes considered a biosignature. While its size makes it less Earth-like, the possibility of hidden oceans makes it one of the most intriguing targets in the galaxy.
🔭 What Does “New Earth” Really Mean?
The term “New Earth” usually refers to planets that are:
- Rocky (not gas giants).
- In the habitable zone (where liquid water can exist).
- Earth-sized (similar mass and radius).
- Atmospherically stable (capable of supporting long-term climate balance).
By this definition, Gliese 12 b remains the strongest candidate as of 2025. It is Earth-sized, close enough for study, and located in a habitable zone. However, its red dwarf star and uncertain atmosphere remain challenges.
📡 Latest Developments (August 2025)
- No New Distance Revisions: Distances to Gliese 12 b, TOI-715 b, and K2-18 b remain unchanged.
- Ongoing Observations: JWST continues analyzing the atmospheres of Gliese 12 b and TOI-715 b.
- Future Missions: ESA’s ARIEL Mission (scheduled for 2029) will provide deeper insights into exoplanet atmospheres.
- Public Buzz: Posts on X (formerly Twitter) have been trending with speculation about Gliese 12 b’s atmosphere. While excitement grows, many experts caution that red dwarf systems carry risks of strong solar flares.
🌍 Conclusion
As of August 25, 2025, the closest possible “New Earth” remains Gliese 12 b, located just 40 light-years away. While its distance hasn’t changed since its discovery in 2024, what has advanced is our ability to analyze its atmosphere and assess its habitability.
Other contenders, like TOI-715 b and K2-18 b, offer different insights into planetary diversity — from super-Earths with water vapor to ocean worlds with potential biosignatures.
The dream of finding an Earth twin continues to inspire scientists and space enthusiasts alike. Although no confirmed “Earth 2.0” has been discovered yet, the progress made in just the last decade gives us hope that one day, we may find a true second home among the stars.