Breakthrough Discovery: Astronomers Might Have Found 'Second Earth'

German magazine Der Spiegel reported about a recent breakthrough discovery made by astronomers.

According to the magazine, experts possibly revealed a solid, Earth-like exoplanet not far away from Proxima Centauri, the nearest known star to the Sun.

"The planet which so far has no name is presumably Earth-like and moves around Proxima Centauri at a favorable distance, which could mean that it has liquid water on its surface — an important precondition for the emergence of life," the article said.

The magazine also reported that the discovery was made with the telescope at La Silla Observatory in Chile.

"Never before have scientists come across a possible second Earth," Der Spiegel wrote.

Citing an unnamed astronomer, the article said that scientists will officially announce their discovery at the end of August. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) neither confirmed nor denied this report.

At the same time, ESO representative Richard Hook told the web portal Space.com that he was surprised by the appearance of such information in the media.

"We were surprised to see the article in Der Spiegel and do not know the source," Hook said.