Often called Earth’s “cousin,” Kepler-452b is a rocky planet located in the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. Its size and orbital distance make it a promising candidate for habitability, though its age suggests that it may have undergone significant geological changes.
Orbital Characteristics
Orbital Period: 385 days
Semi-major Axis: ~1.04 AU
Physical Characteristics
Mass: ~5 Earth masses
Radius: ~1.63 Earth radii
Temperature: ~22°C (71.6°F)
Host Star
Kepler-452: A Sun-like star located ~1,400 light-years away.
Temperature: ~5,800 K
Mass: ~1.04 M☉ (solar masses)
Radius: ~1.05 R☉ (solar radii)
Age: ~6 billion years
Habitability Potential
Kepler-452b is located in the habitable zone, raising interest in its potential for life.
Its size and distance from its host star suggest conditions similar to those on Earth, though its age and geological history may present challenges.
Discovery & Future Studies
Discovered in 2015 by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope.
Future research may focus on its atmosphere and potential for hosting life.
Kepler-452b's discovery has been significant in the search for Earth-like exoplanets.
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Proxima Centauri b: The Closest Exoplanet
General Information
Distance from Earth: ~4.24 light-years
Proxima Centauri b is the closest known exoplanet to Earth and orbits within the habitable zone of the red dwarf Proxima Centauri. Its proximity makes it a prime candidate for further study, though its habitability is uncertain due to potential stellar flares.
Orbital Characteristics
Orbital Period: 11.2 days
Semi-major Axis: ~0.0485 AU
Physical Characteristics
Mass: ~1.17 Earth masses
Radius: ~1.1 Earth radii
Temperature: ~-39°C (-38.2°F)
Host Star
Proxima Centauri: A red dwarf star located ~4.24 light-years away.
Temperature: ~3,050 K
Mass: ~0.12 M☉ (solar masses)
Radius: ~0.15 R☉ (solar radii)
Age: ~4.8 billion years
Habitability Potential
Proxima Centauri b is located in the habitable zone, raising interest in its potential for life.
However, its exposure to stellar flares poses challenges for retaining an atmosphere and supporting life.
Discovery & Future Studies
Discovered in 2016 using the radial velocity method.
Future research may focus on its atmosphere and potential for hosting life.
Proxima Centauri b is a key target for the search for life beyond our solar system.
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TRAPPIST-1d: An Earth-Sized Exoplanet
General Information
Distance from Earth: ~39 light-years
TRAPPIST-1d is one of seven Earth-sized planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. It is in the star’s habitable zone and might have liquid water. The system’s unique configuration makes it a prime target for habitability studies.
Orbital Characteristics
Orbital Period: 4 days
Semi-major Axis: ~0.022 AU
Physical Characteristics
Mass: ~0.4 Earth masses
Radius: ~0.77 Earth radii
Temperature: ~15°C (59°F)
Host Star
TRAPPIST-1: An ultra-cool dwarf star located ~39 light-years away.
Temperature: ~2,500 K
Mass: ~0.08 M☉ (solar masses)
Radius: ~0.12 R☉ (solar radii)
Age: ~7.6 billion years
Habitability Potential
TRAPPIST-1d's position in the habitable zone raises interest in its potential for life.
The possibility of liquid water makes it a prime candidate for habitability studies.
Discovery & Future Studies
Discovered in 2016 as part of the TRAPPIST-1 system.
Future research will focus on its atmosphere and habitability potential.
The system is an important target for the search for extraterrestrial life.
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HD 219134 b: A Rocky Terrestrial Exoplanet
General Information
Distance from Earth: ~21 light-years
HD 219134 b is a rocky terrestrial exoplanet located close to its star, making it extremely hot and uninhabitable. It has a thick, rocky crust, and the study of its composition could provide insights into planet formation.
Orbital Characteristics
Orbital Period: 3.1 days
Semi-major Axis: ~0.038 AU
Physical Characteristics
Mass: ~4.5 Earth masses
Radius: ~1.6 Earth radii
Temperature: ~900°C (1,652°F)
Host Star
HD 219134: A K-dwarf star located ~21 light-years away.
Temperature: ~4,800 K
Mass: ~0.78 M☉ (solar masses)
Radius: ~0.72 R☉ (solar radii)
Age: ~6 billion years
Habitability Potential
HD 219134 b is not considered habitable due to extreme temperatures and proximity to its star.
Its study may provide valuable information about rocky planet formation and evolution.
Discovery & Future Studies
Discovered in 2015 using radial velocity data.
Future research will focus on its composition and potential geological activity.
Understanding HD 219134 b may shed light on the characteristics of rocky exoplanets.