We're getting closer...

to finding another Earth-like world. Astronomers have discovered about 300 planets in other solar systems, but they've just found the first one that's confirmed to be a solid body like Earth. The others have all been gas giants or of undetermined status.

This first extrasolar rocky planet, however, is unlikely to harbor life since its surface temperature is around 3600 degrees (even hotter than Vegas).

More from NPR. Thanks to my Portland buddy Jake for the heads up.