Extra terrestrials: Discovery of oldest known Earth-size planets raises the prospect of 'ancient life'

Oldest planet find raises question over 'ancient life'. Credit: University of Birmingham

Scientists have discovered the oldest known earth-size planets which they say raise the prospect of 'ancient life'.

The University of Birmingham 'asteroseismologists' found a solar system with five Earth-sized planets, which they say date back to the dawn of the Galaxy.

The scientists made the announcement in the The Astrophysical Journal, paying tribute to the Nasa Kepler mission, which allowed the observation of the Sun-like star Kepler 444.

Kepler-444 was formed 11.2 billion years ago, when the Universe was less than 20% its current age.

This is the oldest known system of terrestrial-sized planets in our Galaxy - two and a half times older than the Earth.

The discovery helped to pinpoint the beginning of planet formation. Credit: University of Birmingham
The Nasa Kepler mission allowed the observation of the Sun-like star Kepler 444. Credit: University of Birmingham

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The team carried out the research using 'asteroseismology' - listening to the natural resonances of the host star which are caused by sound trapped within it, the University said.

Nasa's Kepler mission page has more information on the "search for potentially habitable planets".