GJ 1061 c (also known as Gliese 1061 c) is one of the most exciting targets in Lisa Kaltenegger’s catalog because it is located in a “nearby” star system, just 12 light-years away from Earth.
Key Physical Characteristics
Planet Type: Terrestrial (rocky) world.
Mass: It is a “Super-Earth,” with a minimum mass of about 1.74 times that of Earth.
Orbit: It orbits its star, Gliese 1061, very quickly, completing one “year” in just 6.7 Earth days.
The Star: Gliese 1061 is a low-mass Red Dwarf (M-dwarf). It is the 20th nearest stellar system to the Sun.
Habitability & Environment
GJ 1061 c sits on the inner edge of its star’s habitable zone. This makes it a crucial case study for atmospheric science.
Energy Intake: It receives about 35% more energy from its star than Earth receives from the Sun. This puts it in a temperature range similar to Venus, but potentially cooler depending on its cloud cover.
Atmospheric Pressure: Scientists are eager to see if it has a thick, runaway greenhouse atmosphere like Venus or if it has managed to maintain a more Earth-like climate.
Tidal Locking: Like Proxima b, it is likely tidally locked, creating a permanent day-side and night-side.
Why it’s in Kaltenegger’s “Top List”
In her 2026 study, Kaltenegger highlights GJ 1061 c as a prime candidate for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
The “Quiet” Star Advantage: Unlike Proxima Centauri, which is very “active” and shoots off deadly flares, GJ 1061 appears to be a much older and quieter star. This means GJ 1061 c is less likely to have had its atmosphere blasted away by radiation, increasing the chances that life could survive on its surface.
Testing Limits: Because it sits at the inner boundary of the habitable zone, it helps researchers define exactly how much heat a planet can take before it becomes uninhabitable.

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Published @ March 24, 2026 9:06 am