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Kepler-452b

Earth's 'Bigger, Older Cousin' Maybe Doesn't Even Exist

The planet, known as Kepler-452b, was believed to be about 60 percent larger than our planet and within the habitable zone of its star. NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle hide caption

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NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle

The Two-Way

Earth's 'Bigger, Older Cousin' Maybe Doesn't Even Exist

In 2015, to great fanfare, NASA announced a planet discovery considered a milestone in the hunt for another Earth. But now some researchers say it's not clear that this planet actually exists.

Earth's 'Bigger, Older Cousin' Maybe Doesn't Even Exist

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Kepler Telescope Introduces Earth To A Very Distant Cousin

Artist's concept compares Earth (left) to the new planet, called Kepler-452b, which is about 60 percent larger in diameter. NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle hide caption

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NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle

The Two-Way

Kepler Telescope Introduces Earth To A Very Distant Cousin

The spacecraft has detected the nearest thing to Earth yet discovered — a planet that's a bit bigger and squarely inside the "habitable zone" for life.

Kepler Telescope Introduces Earth To A Very Distant Cousin

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