Four of seven Earth-sized exoplanets may have large quantities of water

Hubble telescope readings suggesting watery outer planets of Trappist-1 - including three in habitable zone - boosts hope for life beyond our solar system

Four of seven mysterious worlds orbiting a nearby star might bear large quantities of water, scientists have revealed, offering a tantalising boost to the possibility of finding life beyond our solar system.

Just 39 light-years away from Earth, the solar system of seven Earth-sized planets orbiting the small, cool star known as Trappist-1 was discovered earlier this year, with the announcement met with excitement by experts.