There could be lots of planets similar to Earth in our galaxy, scientists say. Research shows that rocky planets — possibly with conditions that could support life — are more common that previously thought. Scientists used super-strong telescopes to look at stars similar to the Sun, and the planets which surround them. They’re excited that some of the planets could have alien life or in centuries from now, they could provide new homes for humans.

The research could teach us loads about how planets are formed, scientists say. Up to 60 per cent of the stars they looked at showed evidence of forming rocky planets like ours. The

research was revealed at the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston.