Kepler-1410 b is a confirmed “Super-Earth” located approximately 1,196 light-years away in the constellation Lyra. It is a massive rocky world orbiting a star that is slightly smaller and cooler than our Sun.

Key Physical Characteristics

• Planet Type: Terrestrial (rocky) Super-Earth.
• Size: It is about 1.8 times the radius of Earth, placing it at the very edge of what scientists consider a rocky world.
• Orbit: It completes one orbit around its star every 60.9 Earth days.
• The Star: Kepler-1410 is a K-type orange dwarf. These stars are favored by astrobiologists because they are more stable than red dwarfs but longer-lived than our Sun.

Habitability & Environment

In Lisa Kaltenegger’s research, Kepler-1410 b is an important case for studying the inner boundary of the habitable zone:

• Energy Intake: It receives about 1.3 times the starlight that Earth gets. This makes it a “warm” Earth, with solar energy levels similar to what Venus receives, though potentially cooled by its star’s specific light spectrum.
• Atmosphere: Due to its large size and strong gravity, it likely has a very thick, dense atmosphere. High-altitude clouds could potentially reflect enough light to keep surface temperatures cool enough for liquid water.
• Gravity: Standing on its surface would be a heavy experience; you would likely feel roughly twice as heavy as you do on Earth.

Scientific Significance

• The “Radius Gap”: At 1.8 Earth radii, this planet helps scientists study the divide where a planet stops being a rocky “Super-Earth” and starts becoming a gaseous “Mini-Neptune.”
• Stability: Orbiting an orange dwarf means the planet is less likely to be stripped of its atmosphere by the violent flares common to red dwarfs, allowing for a stable climate over billions of years.
• Discovery: It was discovered by the Kepler Space Telescope using the transit method, providing clear data on its size relative to its star.

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Published @ March 24, 2026 9:40 am