[Regnum] An international team of astronomers has discovered a potentially habitable planet, HD 137 010 b, 146 light-years from Earth. The scientists published their research in the scientific journal Astrophysical Journal Letters.
According to the article, the planet was identified using data obtained in 2017 as part of NASA's Kepler space telescope's extended mission.
Preliminary estimates suggest that planet HD 137 010 b has a radius only 6% smaller than Earth's, and it is highly likely to be in the habitable zone of its nearest star. However, because the star in that system is dimmer and cooler than the Sun, the planet's average surface temperature would be comparable to that of Mars, at around -70°C.
Astronomers also emphasized that the discovered object is the first habitable planet candidate illuminated sufficiently by the nearest star for further study. HD 137 010 b is located approximately 146 light-years (1.38 quadrillion kilometers) from Earth.
In March, Elon Musk, founder of the American company SpaceX, stated that human colonization of Mars could begin within five to seven years. He emphasized that the main question in this area is whether it will be possible to achieve autonomous human habitation on Mars. If this does not happen, the colony will die out when supplies from Earth cease.