scientists have not definitively confirmed the existence of an Earth-like planet in the universe, specifically one that meets all the criteria necessary to support life as we know it. However, the search for exoplanets (planets outside our solar system) has yielded a vast number of discoveries, including many that are considered potentially habitable.
The term "Earth-like" typically refers to a planet that shares certain characteristics with Earth, such as a rocky composition, a similar size, and being located within the habitable zone of its star. The habitable zone, also known as the Goldilocks zone, is the region around a star where conditions may allow the presence of liquid water on a planet's surface, a key ingredient for life as we understand it.
Numerous exoplanets have been identified within the habitable zones of their respective stars, suggesting the possibility of Earth-like conditions. Examples include Proxima b, a planet orbiting the closest star to our Sun, Proxima Centauri, and TRAPPIST-1 system, which has multiple potentially habitable planets.
However, confirming whether these planets are truly Earth-like and capable of supporting life requires more detailed observations and investigations. Future missions and advancements in technology, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, will provide additional insights into the atmospheres and compositions of exoplanets, bringing us closer to identifying potentially habitable worlds.
It's important to note that our understanding of habitability and the conditions necessary for life is based on the known life forms on Earth. There may be forms of life or conditions that are radically different from what we currently understand, which could expand the possibilities for habitable environments beyond our current definitions.