The search for life outside the Earth may have moved to a new and exciting level. A team of astronomers ( 天文学家) said they have found a new planet that has many important parts similar to those of the Earth.
The planet, which travels around a red dwarf star( 红矮星) called Gliese 581, has the right size and temperature. Most importantly, the planet lies in the suitable living area of the star, which makes the planet not too hot or too cold.
Scientists say the new world, Gliese 581C is five times larger than the Earth. It may have water since it is in the right place for the red dwarf to survive in space.
Swiss scientist Michel Mayor said it is an important step on the way to find possible life in the space and there are still lots of questions.
For more than ten years, astronomers and scientists have been keeping their eyes on the space in search for another Earth, another world that can support life or already has it.
According to records, the first discovery of extra solar(太阳系) planet going around a normal star was made in 1995. Since then, the number of newly discovered worlds has increased to about 200. But they are just dead with lifeless bodies.
The Gliese 581C came into our eyes and mankind has reason to celebrate. After all, we may have living neighbours. The discovery doesn't promise much, but it offers hope that there could be other people or living things out there.
( )1. The new planet has made_________.
A. the search for life outside the Earth new and exciting
B. many important parts of the Earth new and similar
C. a red dwarf star not too hot or not too cold
D. the astronomers believe everything
( )2. The new planet goes around_________.
A. the Earth B. the Sun C. the red dwarf star D. the Moon
( )3. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. A new planet for people to live in has been found.
B. The red dwarf star is five times larger than the Earth.
C. Scientists have a lot of questions about the new planet.
D. Scientists have proved there is some water in the new planet.
( ) 4. Why do astronomers and scientists keep their eyes on the space?
A. They hate the life on the Earth.
B. They want to support more life.
C. They want to search for another world.
D. There are some people and living things there.
( )5. What would the scientists most like to tell us in the passage?
A. Astronomers first discovered the extra solar planet in 1995.
B. Mankind wants to celebrate the discovery of the new planet.
C. The number of newly discovered worlds is about 200.
D. Mankind may have living neighbours in space.
1. A 2. C 3. C 4. C 5. D
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