11 billion of these estimated planets may be orbiting Sun-like stars. The nearest such planet may be 12 light-years away, according to the scientists. As of June 2021, a total of 60 potentially habitable exoplanets have been found.

How common are habitable planets?

Using a conservative estimate of the atmosphere's effect, the researchers estimated an occurrence rate of about 50% — that is, about half of Sun-like stars have rocky planets capable of hosting liquid water on their surfaces. An alternative optimistic definition of the habitable zone estimates about 75%.

What is the next closest habitable planet?

What is life like on Proxima b? This planet in the next star system along is, at just four light-years, by far the closest Earth-like planet we know about.