Nearby but foreign: what we know about HD 137010 b
In a significant stride for exoplanet research, astronomers have identified a candidate world called HD 137010 b that sits roughly 146 light-years from Earth. The planet is described as Earth-sized, slightly larger than our planet by about 6%, and orbits a sun-like star. What excites scientists is the implication that HD 137010 b could possess conditions that make it a viable subject for studying habitability far beyond our solar system, even though its climate appears extremely cold by Earth standards.
HD 137010 b is believed to resemble Mars in several respects, including its size, likely surface composition, and potentially thin atmosphere. The combination of a relatively small size and a distance from its star that does not provide Earth-like warmth raises important questions about its surface temperature, atmospheric pressure, and the presence of liquids that could support chemical processes associated with life as we know it. The planet’s estimated temperature, around -70°C, underscores a world that is far from comfortable for humans but may still harbor niches where stable conditions permit exotic forms of habitability or long-term climate stability that scientists want to understand.
What makes a planet “potentially habitable”?
Scientists rely on several factors to evaluate habitability beyond simply being in the so-called “habitable zone.” For HD 137010 b, key questions include: Can an atmosphere trap enough heat to maintain liquid water or a weather system that supports chemical energy sources? Does the planet have a stable rotation and modest axial tilt that could drive mild seasonal changes? And crucially, could internal heat from a geologic source or tidal forces provide warmth that sustains a stable climate over geological timescales?
Early data suggest that HD 137010 b is in a position around its star that might allow a thin, greenhouse-like atmosphere to moderate temperatures, though at -70°C, any potential oceans would be unlikely to exist on the surface under ordinary conditions. The Mars-like comparison hints at a world with a rocky crust, possible volcanic activity, and perhaps ice at the poles with subsurface liquids shielded from the harsh surface environment. As researchers refine measurements, they will look for atmospheric markers that could indicate weather patterns, gas compositions, and the presence of water-related chemistry—critical clues in assessing true habitability.
Why 146 light-years matters
The distance of roughly 146 light-years places HD 137010 b well beyond our current spaceflight capabilities, but advances in telescopic techniques and planet-detection methods—such as the transit and radial velocity methods—make detailed characterization feasible. By studying the planet’s mass, radius, and orbital dynamics, scientists can model its interior structure and surface conditions. This kind of remote sensing is essential for building a broader picture of how common habitable-like worlds might be in our galaxy, especially those that don’t fit the traditional Earth-centric mold.
Challenges and next steps
One of the biggest hurdles is distinguishing whether HD 137010 b is truly habitable or simply a world with Mars-like features that appear intriguing from afar. The temperature reading of -70°C suggests a frigid environment, but it does not rule out the possibility of pockets of warmth or geothermal activity that could create localized habitats. Future observations aim to narrow error margins on the planet’s atmospheric composition, surface temperature variations, and potential magnetic field, all of which influence habitability assessments.
Scientists also stress that “potentially habitable” does not mean “habitable for humans.” Instead, it signals a promising target for deeper study that could reshape our understanding of where life might arise and how planets with diverse climates might support ecosystems we have yet to conceive.
What this means for the search for life beyond Earth
The discovery of HD 137010 b adds a valuable data point in the expanding catalog of exoplanets that challenge simple Earth-only models of habitability. By broadening the scope to include Mars-like worlds with extreme temperatures, researchers can test theories about atmospheric retention, geologic heat, and the role of stellar radiation in shaping planetary climates. Each new candidate like HD 137010 b helps refine our search strategies and informs future telescope design, enabling more precise probes of distant worlds that could, one day, reveal signs of life in the cosmos.
