Question

planet to be considered similar to earth, it must be rocky, rather than gaseous. rocky planets are seen as more likely than gaseous planets to support life. in addition, it must occupy the so - called temperate zone, which is the distance from the sun where liquid water is possible. exoplanets that satisfy these conditions are being discovered all the time. for example, in early 2017, the scientific community was rocked when a cluster of planets that resemble earth was discovered. named trappist - 1, the solar system consists of seven rocky exoplanets that orbit around a nearby star. at least three of the planets sit within the temperate zone, which means they may house oceans of liquid water. \of all the planets weve found, this system has risen to the top as the most exciting for the potential of studying habitability,\ said boston universitys phillip muirhead. the ongoing discovery select the evidence that the author provides for the following supporting claim: pla earth - like conditions may be common. scientists recently discovered a cluster of planets with conditions that might support life. scientists recently determined that life is possible on gaseous planets. scientists believe that there are more than one trillion undiscovered exoplanets in the galaxy.

Explanation:

The supporting claim is that Earth-like conditions may be common. The text states exoplanets meeting Earth-like criteria are found all the time, then gives the example of the TRAPPIST-1 system: a cluster of rocky planets, with three in the temperate zone (possible liquid water) that could support life. The first option matches this evidence. The second option contradicts the text (it says rocky, not gaseous, planets are more likely to support life). The third option is not mentioned in the provided text.

Answer:

Scientists recently discovered a cluster of planets with conditions that might support life.