description Kepler-138d Overview
Kepler-138d is a transiting exoplanet orbiting the M-dwarf star Kepler-138 approximately 200 light-years from Earth. It is the outermost of three known planets in the system, completing an orbit every 23.1 days. Categorized as a super-Earth, its mass and radius suggest a low bulk density. Researchers propose that this low density implies a substantial volatile envelope, leading to classifications as a potential water-world.
help Kepler-138d FAQ
What type of planet is Kepler-138d?
Kepler-138d is a super-Earth that orbits an M-dwarf star, making it larger than our planet but smaller than Neptune. It was confirmed in 2015 alongside its inner companion Kepler-138c after initially being flagged as a false positive in 2014.
How long does a year last on Kepler-138d?
A year on this exoplanet lasts approximately 23.1 Earth days, which is the time it takes to complete one orbit around its host star. Its close proximity to the cool red dwarf star explains this rapid orbital period.
Could Kepler-138d support life?
While it sits at a distance from its star where temperatures might allow for liquid water, its atmosphere and surface conditions remain largely unknown. A 2023 study suggested its mass and radius are consistent with a vast global ocean, though its true habitability is still highly uncertain.
How did scientists measure the mass of Kepler-138d?
Astronomers were able to determine its mass and density using transit timing variations (TTVs), which track how the planets' gravitational pulls delay each other's orbits. This technique was vital to the 2015 confirmation of the Kepler-138 system.
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