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Showing posts with the label K2-18 binary system

K2-18b : A Super-Earth with Potential for Life

K2-18b, a captivating super-Earth exoplanet, has captured the imagination of astronomers and astrobiologists alike. Discovered in 2015, this intriguing world offers a glimpse into the possibility of life beyond our solar system. Let's delve into what makes K2-18b so interesting. Super Earth Characteristics K2-18b resides roughly 120 light-years away in the constellation Leo. Unlike our Earth orbiting a yellow sun, K2-18b circles a red dwarf star, cooler and fainter than our sun. Despite its cooler host, K2-18b sits within the habitable zone, the region where liquid water could potentially exist on a planet's surface. K2-18b is a true super-Earth, boasting a size 2.2 times Earth's radius and a mass a whopping 8.6 times greater. This extra mass suggests a denser composition, potentially rich in elements heavier than those found on Earth. Day & Night on k2-18b K2-18b's day and night cycle is quite different from what we experience on Earth. Here's the breakdown: Ti...