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.

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Published @ March 24, 2026 9:37 am