Overview
- Researchers reanalyzing Kepler K2 data spotted a single ~10-hour transit linked to HD 137010 b, indicating a near–one-year orbital period around its host star.
- The host, HD 137010, is similar to the Sun but cooler and less luminous, which reduces the energy reaching the planet.
- NASA estimates the planet receives under one-third of Earth’s solar flux, implying surface temperatures around −68 °C (−90 °F) without significant greenhouse warming.
- The study estimates a roughly 40% chance the orbit lies in the conservative habitable zone, rising to about 51% under an optimistic definition.
- Because only one transit was seen, the object remains a candidate pending follow-up with TESS and ESA’s CHEOPS to catch repeat events and confirm its orbit.