Kepler-1652 b is a terrestrial world located approximately 822 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. It is considered a strong candidate for being a “Super-Earth” with a rocky surface.
Key Physical Characteristics
- Planet Type: Terrestrial (rocky) Super-Earth.
- Size: It is about 1.6 times the radius of Earth.
- Orbit: It completes one orbit around its star every 38 Earth days.
- The Star: It orbits a red dwarf star that is much cooler and smaller than our Sun.
Habitability & Environment
In Lisa Kaltenegger’s research, Kepler-1652 b is highlighted for its stable position:
- Location: It sits firmly within the Habitable Zone, where temperatures could allow for liquid water to exist.
- Energy Intake: It receives about 80% of the starlight that Earth gets from the Sun. This puts it in a very temperate range—slightly cooler than Earth, but potentially very comfortable if it has a heat-trapping atmosphere.
- Appearance: Because it orbits a red dwarf, the sky would likely be a deep red or orange, and the star would appear much larger in the sky than our Sun does to us.
Scientific Significance
- Rocky Confirmation: Its size suggests a solid, rocky composition. At 1.6 times Earth’s radius, it is near the upper limit of what scientists consider a “rocky” world before it becomes a gaseous “mini-Neptune.”
- Atmospheric Modeling: Kaltenegger uses this planet to study how “Super-Earths” hold onto their atmospheres. Its higher gravity would help it retain a thick protective layer of gases over billions of years.
- Detection: It was discovered by the Kepler Space Telescope using the transit method, which provides clear data on its size and orbital path.
