Earth-Like Planet Discovered

A team of scientists from Australia, the USA, the UK, and Denmark announced the discovery of a potentially habitable planet, HD 137010 b, located 146 light-years away.

This planet is unique because its characteristics lie between those of Earth and Mars. According to a report in Astrophysical Journal, the new planet’s radius is only 6% larger than Earth’s, and it orbits its star in 355 days. Astronomers estimate a 50% chance that it is in the habitable zone, though due to the star’s low brightness, the surface temperature may drop below −70 °C.

Nevertheless, HD 137010 b is considered an excellent candidate for studying an Earth-sized planet orbiting a sufficiently bright star. This allows for future research on its atmospheric composition.

If the planet is officially confirmed to be habitable, HD 137010 b would become one of the closest and most significant Earth-like planets.