NASA Discovers Earth-Sized Exoplanet HD 137010 b: Bone-Chilling Cold, Potential for Life?

• NASA scientists have identified HD 137010 b, an Earth-sized exoplanet candidate orbiting a star 146 light-years away.
• Despite its Earth-like size, HD 137010 b is bone-chillingly cold, with surface temperatures potentially dropping to -68 degrees Celsius, colder than Mars' average surface.
• The exoplanet was detected as a "transit candidate" using archival Kepler/K2 data, showing a single dip in starlight as it crossed its star.
• HD 137010 b lies near the outer edge of its star's habitable zone, where warmth is minimal, making conditions harsh for surface life but potentially allowing for sub-surface water.
• This discovery helps scientists understand planetary formation, orbital evolution, and the limits of habitability, contributing to the search for life beyond Earth.

Why It Matters: NASA's new Earth-sized exoplanet candidate, HD 137010 b, is extremely cold but offers insights into planetary habitability.