An international research team led by the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has achieved a breakthrough with the discovery of a potentially habitable super-Earth orbiting a Sun-like fixed star.
The planet, Kepler-725c, lies in the habitable zone of the Sun-like fixed star, Kepler-725, and has a mass approximately ten times that of the Earth.
While the host star shares a similar spectral type with the Sun, it is significantly younger -- only 1.6 billion years old.
The location of Kepler-725c in the host star's habitable zone means the conditions may allow for the presence of liquid water, which is considered a key prerequisite for the emergence of Earth-like life.
According to Gu Shenghong, a research at the Yunnan Observatories and the team leader, the newly discovered planet and its host star are located in a place about 2,472 light-years away from the solar system. It completes an orbit around its host star in approximately 207.5 days, which is relatively close to the Earth's orbital period.
"The planet is located in the habitable zone of a Sun-like fixed star, suggesting the possibility of carbon-based life similar to that on the Earth. It means that the planet could be habitable and have life on it. As to how far it is from our planet, it is situated at a distance nearly equivalent to 160 million times the distance from the Earth to the Sun," Gu told China Central Television (CCTV) in an interview.
The team made the discovery by using the Transit Timing Variation (TTV) technique for the first time globally.
"With the launch of more space telescopes in the future, we can rely on data collected by these telescopes and other data we've accumulated in our previous research to make a true discovery of an Earth-like planet in the habitable zone of a solar-type fixed star," he said.
The research is jointly conducted by the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Hamburg Observatory. It was published on Tuesday in the prestigious international journal Nature Astronomy.
Chinese-led international research team discovers super-Earth planet in Sun-like star's habitable zone
Chinese-led international research team discovers super-Earth planet in Sun-like star's habitable zone
Chinese-led international research team discovers super-Earth planet in Sun-like star's habitable zone
Residents living in Canada's biggest city of Toronto have expressed optimism that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's official visit to China can unlock new economic opportunities, particularly in key fields such as artificial intelligence and infrastructure.
Carney is set to arrive in China on Wednesday to begin a four-day visit at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, marking the first trip by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with Carney during his stay to provide new strategic guidance for further improving and developing China-Canada relations.
Giving their assessment of the significance of the visit and the outcomes they hope to see achieved, local people in Toronto pointed to the importance of deepening cooperation and view the high-tech sector as one of the most pivotal areas where ties can be enhanced.
"I think, of course, China is probably the leader in AI and new technologies. So, I think Canada can really benefit from Chinese expertise on some of the chip manufacturing or just the use of AI in the medical field, in every other finance field and everything. So, I think this can be very important for Canada to learn from China," said Raman, the provincial liaison manager at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
"I think it is a good idea to strengthen relations with other countries and other trade partners that have been probably more consistent. And especially with things going on in electronics right now and chip manufacturing, I do think that it makes sense at this point in time to be reaching out to China," said Jen, a local nurse.
Some see Carney's visit as an opportunity to broaden the economic agenda in various other key areas.
"I'm actually pretty looking forward to it because they could talk a lot about trade. That could be a good opportunity for Canada and China to explore some other export opportunities on energy, and also, maybe pipeline building, infrastructure building, and also, real estate investment and agriculture," said Xiong Lulu, an equity research analyst.
Looking ahead, many residents emphasize that much depends on whether Carney's visit can translate into concrete agreements.
"It would be nice. I hope there's some kind of good relationship between China and Canada. That would be like a great opportunity that we would miss if we didn't create that relationship with them. So, hopefully, in hindsight, [in] 2026 it does happen," said John, a software developer.
"I think if they can settle some trade deals, that will be great. So, I think it will be great for the Canadian economy," said Xiong.
President Xi and Carney last met on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in October, with both sides agreeing to resume exchanges and cooperation in various fields and jointly advance the development of the China-Canada strategic partnership.
Toronto residents optimistic about Canada-China cooperation prospects
