Young planetary systems are violent, with new planets often colliding into each other. Such environments were thought to be too rough for life since they are so harsh and extreme. But the latest research now suggests astronomers should, in fact, turn their telescopes to these solar systems in the search for alien life.
The search for extraterrestrial life has so far centred around planets orbiting stars similar to our own.
Those worlds beloved of science fiction writers look a lot more likely now
Dr Bethany Wootton
This is because of a bias presuming other solar system containing aliens will likely look like ours.
But almost none of those "solar twins" – stars resembling our own – have actually been found to exist.
Now new University of Sheffield research suggests solar systems formed in turbulent times, when stars form in pairs, could actually improve the chances of allowing the planets around them to be the right temperature.
Such habitable planets sit in a zone where liquid water can exist and life could consequently flourish.
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Alien life: There could be more 'Goldilocks zones' hospitable to alien life than anticipated (Image: Getty)
Alien life: Habitable planets sit in a zone where liquid water can exist (Image: Getty)
When they encounter a third star, a binary pair of stars might be pushed together.
This, in turn, could expand the habitable zone, increasing the
