description Kepler-138b Overview
Kepler-138b is a Mars-sized exoplanet orbiting the red dwarf star Kepler-138, located roughly 217 light-years away in the constellation Lyra. Confirmed in 2015 using data from the Kepler space telescope, it was one of the smallest exoplanets to have both its mass and radius directly measured. This measurement was made possible through transit-timing variations caused by gravitational interactions with neighboring planets in the system. It has a radius and mass closely matching those of Mars, indicating a rocky and potentially terrestrial composition.
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How large is Kepler-138b?
Kepler-138b is approximately Mars-sized, with a mass of about 0.07 Earth masses. It takes around 10.3 days to orbit its red dwarf host star.
Why is Kepler-138b important to exoplanet research?
It was the first exoplanet smaller than Earth to have both its mass and size measured. NASA's Kepler data helped establish those measurements.
Where is Kepler-138b located?
Kepler-138b orbits the red dwarf Kepler-138, roughly 217 light-years away in the constellation Lyra. Its host star is classified as an M-type star.
Is Kepler-138b the water world in its planetary system?
The water-rich interpretations in the Kepler-138 system primarily concern planets c and d, not the small inner planet b. Kepler-138b is generally classified as a terrestrial, Mars-sized exoplanet.
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