Kepler 186f earthlike concept

Kepler-186f is the first Earth-size exoplanet found in the habitable zone of its star, a red dwarf 500 light-years away.

About this subject

Kepler-186f marks a milestone in the search for potentially habitable worlds. Discovered in 2014 by NASA's Kepler space telescope, this exoplanet orbits the red dwarf star Kepler-186, located in the constellation Cygnus about 500 light-years from Earth. With a radius roughly 11% larger than Earth's, it completes one orbit every 130 days. Its host star is much cooler and dimmer than the Sun, so the habitable zone, the region where liquid water could exist, lies much closer. Kepler-186f receives about one-third of the energy Earth gets from the Sun, placing it at the outer edge of the habitable zone. This suggests that if water exists, it might be partially frozen, but climate models indicate that thick atmospheres of carbon dioxide or methane could keep temperatures above freezing. Orbiting a red dwarf, the planet is likely tidally locked, with one side always facing the star. Kepler-186f's discovery was crucial because it demonstrated that Earth-sized rocky planets can exist in habitable zones around common stars in the galaxy. Since then, other similar candidates have been found, but Kepler-186f remains an emblematic example of the diversity of worlds potentially akin to our own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Kepler-186f from Earth?

Kepler-186f is about 500 light-years away, located in the constellation Cygnus.

Could Kepler-186f harbor life?

Although it lies in the habitable zone, life is uncertain. It receives little energy from its star and may be very cold, but thick atmospheres could retain heat. No direct evidence of life has been found.

How big is Kepler-186f compared to Earth?

Kepler-186f is about 1.1 times Earth's radius, making it a rocky planet similar in size to our own.