Astronomers have discovered 1,284 more planets beyond our solar system, with nine possibly in orbits suitable for surface water that could bolster the prospects of supporting life.

The announcement brings the total number of confirmed planets outside the solar system to 3,264. Called exoplanets, the bulk were detected by NASA’s Kepler space telescope, which searched for habitable planets like Earth.

NASA said, out of the new planets, nearly 550 could be rocky like Earth. Nine planets are the right distance from a star to support temperatures at which water could pool.

The discovery brings to 21 the total number of known planets with such conditions, which could permit life.