The discovery was made based on data collected by NASA's Kepler space telescope during its K2 mission, which was obtained back in 2017. Research showed that the exoplanet is only 6% larger than Earth, and its year lasts 355 days. Scientists estimate the probability that HD 137010 b is in the "habitable zone" at 50%. This is the zone where water can exist in liquid form.
However, despite some similarities to Earth, the climate on this planet could be much harsher. The star around which it orbits resembles our Sun, but is cooler and dimmer.
Researchers warn that the temperature on the surface of HD 137010 b is likely to be close to Martian levels, dropping below -70 degrees Celsius.
Dr. Sarah Webb from Swinburne University of Technology suggests that there may be a lot of water on the planet, but most of it is likely in a frozen state.
Dr. Chelsea Huang from the University of Southern Queensland emphasizes the importance of this discovery, highlighting the proximity and brightness of the star, which is only 150 light-years away from Earth. In comparison, the previously known nearest exoplanet Kepler-186f is located four times farther away, and its star is nearly 20 times dimmer. This opens up opportunities for detailed study of the planet in the future, as next-generation telescopes will be able to investigate its atmosphere and surface conditions due to the proximity and brightness of its star.
