A study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) by experts from the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University has identified planets potentially capable of harboring intelligent life forms.
“Our examination reveals the presence of 45 rocky worlds within the empirical habitable zone and 24 within the more restricted three-dimensional habitable zone,” the paper states.
The catalog of known planets meeting these criteria includes Proxima Centauri b. This celestial body is approximately 4.2 light-years distant from Earth. Proxima Centauri b is highlighted as remaining one of the closest exoplanets to us that holds potential for supporting life.
Furthermore, the list encompasses locations so remote from Earth that present-day human capabilities prevent us from reaching them. Abigail Allwood, a co-author of the research, clarified that by compiling such lists, astronomers can better focus their efforts on locating habitable exoplanets.
As a reminder, in April 2025, the Daily Mail reported that scientists detected biosignatures on a planet located in the constellation Leo, 124 light-years away from Earth. This world is entirely covered by an ocean. Experts suggest that compounds produced exclusively by living organisms on Earth may serve as evidence of life on this planet, which astronomers have designated K2-18b.
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