Meet HD 137010 b: This NASA’s new exoplanet candidate is Earth-sized but its bone-chilling cold

Exoplanet HD 137010 b, discovered by Kepler Space Telescope. (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Keith Miller)

• NASA found possible Earth-sized exoplanet HD 137010 b, 146 light-years away.
• HD 137010 b is much colder than Earth, with surface temps near -68°C.
• More data is needed to confirm HD 137010 b as a true exoplanet.

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Exoplanets are being discovered by NASA for past few years now. NASA scientists spotted a candidate exoplanet named HD 137010 b. It orbits a star about 146 light-years from Earth. What is so different about this exoplanet is that this star is Sun-like, but slightly cooler and dimmer overall. This world may be rocky, similar in size to our planet. It represents a rare find among distant, Earth-like exoplanets.

The Ice-Cold Surface of HD 137010 b

The planet may get less than 1/3rd of Earth’s warmth. Surface temperatures could drop to nearly -68 degrees Celsius. This makes it colder than the average surface of Mars. The outer edge of its star’s habitable zone defines its temperature. Despite being Earth-sized, conditions may be far too harsh for life.

How NASA Detected This Icy World?

NASA scientists identified it as a “transit candidate” using archival Kepler/K2 data. A single dip in starlight suggested a planet may be crossing in front of its star. The planet’s transit across its star caused this brief dimming.

Researchers measured orbital period from this single transit event. More observations are needed to confirm it as a real planet. Future telescopes like TESS could catch additional transits for verification.

Habitable Zones and Icy Edges of Planetary Systems

Stars have regions called habitable zones, suitable for liquid water. HD 137010 b lies near the outer edge, where warmth is minimal. Planets here may be frozen, but some could harbor sub-surface water.

Studying icy edges teaches scientists about planetary diversity and survival. Outer-zone planets expand our understanding of how life might exist elsewhere.

Why Discovering Exoplanets Matters? 

HD 137010 b is a newly reported candidate, but it’s not yet confirmed as a fully discovered exoplanet. Each new exoplanet adds data to a cosmic map. Earth-sized planets in habitable zones are extremely rare and valuable.

They reveal patterns of planetary formation and orbital evolution. The search helps assess which worlds might support life in future. Exoplanet studies connect astronomy, astrobiology and planetary science research.

How This Exoplanet Will Help Scientists?

HD 137010 b provides clues about long-period Earth-sized planets’ climates. It allows testing models of heat distribution on cold worlds. Future observations could reveal atmosphere composition or surface conditions. Comparisons with warmer planets improve our understanding of habitability limits.