A possible Earth-like planet with a 378-day orbit may harbor liquid water!
Key Takeaways
- Astronomers discovered KOI-456.04, a potential Earth-like planet orbiting a sun-like star.
- KOI-456.04 is within the habitable zone, possibly supporting liquid water and life.
- The planet receives sunlight similar to Earth’s, making it a unique find among exoplanets.
- Future missions like ESA’s PLATO (2026) could confirm its status as a planet.
- Most Earth-size exoplanets found orbit red dwarf stars, but KOI-456.04’s host star is sun-like.
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A Promising Earth-Like Candidate
Astronomers studying the star Kepler-160, located about 3,000 light-years away, have identified a potential Earth-like exoplanet within the system. Dubbed KOI-456.04, this planet candidate is less than twice Earth’s size and orbits its sun-like star in 378 days, a period remarkably similar to Earth’s year.
Kepler-160, observed during NASA’s Kepler mission (2009–2013), shares many characteristics with the Sun, including size and temperature. While previous observations revealed two large, uninhabitable planets, Kepler-160b and Kepler-160c, slight orbital variations in Kepler-160c suggested the presence of additional planets. Recent studies led by René Heller from the Max Planck Institute uncovered two more potential planets in the system, including KOI-456.04.
KOI-456.04: Habitable Zone Potential
KOI-456.04 stands out because it resides in the habitable zone of Kepler-160, where conditions might support liquid water. Its distance from the star allows for moderate temperatures, provided it has an atmosphere with Earth-like greenhouse effects. The planet also receives sunlight similar in quality and intensity to Earth, making it a rare discovery.
Unlike most Earth-sized exoplanets found orbiting red dwarf stars, which emit harmful radiation, KOI-456.04’s host star is sun-like, offering a more stable and less hostile environment for potential life.
Confirming the Planet’s Status
The findings, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, are based on detailed brightness models from Kepler data. However, KOI-456.04 is currently classified as a planet candidate with an 85% likelihood of being genuine. For confirmation, a 99% certainty is required.
Upcoming missions, such as the European Space Agency’s PLATO mission set to launch in 2026, will provide more precise observations. These efforts could determine whether KOI-456.04 is indeed a rocky planet capable of supporting life.
The discovery of KOI-456.04 highlights the importance of studying sun-like stars and their potential to host habitable worlds. While many Earth-size planets orbit smaller, cooler red dwarf stars, KOI-456.04’s unique characteristics offer a glimpse into the diversity of exoplanetary systems and the ongoing search for life beyond Earth.
