100th planet discovered by astronomers

Astronomers have announced the discovery of the 100th planet known to inhabit another solar system.

The star is 100 light years from Earth in the southern constellation Grus, or The Crane.

The planet, one and a half times the mass of Jupiter, has a roughly circular orbit, like those of the sun's family of planets.

Scientists believe solar systems whose planets have circular orbits are the most likely to harbour an Earth-like world containing life.