Kepler-236 c: A Super Earth Orbiting a Distant Star
Kepler-236 c is a fascinating exoplanet located about 942 light-years away from Earth, in the constellation of Lyra. This planet, which was discovered in 2014, is classified as a “Super Earth” due to its substantial size and mass compared to our home planet. Orbiting its star through the method of transit detection, Kepler-236 c offers a glimpse into the possibilities of exoplanets that may exist in distant star systems.
Discovery and Detection
The discovery of Kepler-236 c is part of NASA’s Kepler mission, which has made significant contributions to the study of exoplanets since its launch in 2009. Kepler-236 c was identified through the transit method, where the planet crosses in front of its host star from our vantage point on Earth, causing a temporary dip in the star’s brightness. This method allows astronomers to estimate various properties of the planet, such as its size, orbital period, and distance from its host star.
Kepler-236 c is part of a binary system consisting of two planets, Kepler-236 c and Kepler-236 d, both of which orbit the same host star. These two planets provide a valuable opportunity for scientists to compare the properties of Super Earths with each other and with other exoplanets discovered by Kepler.
Stellar and Orbital Characteristics
Kepler-236 c orbits a star that is much farther away than our Sun. Its host star has a stellar magnitude of 16.014, which indicates it is relatively faint when viewed from Earth. The planet orbits at a distance of approximately 0.132 AU from its star. For context, one astronomical unit (AU) is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, roughly 93 million miles. This short orbital radius results in an extremely rapid orbital period of only 0.06570842 Earth years, or about 24 hours.
The planet’s orbital eccentricity is 0.0, meaning its orbit is perfectly circular. This is an interesting feature as many exoplanets tend to have slightly elliptical orbits. The circular nature of Kepler-236 c’s orbit suggests that it has a relatively stable climate and temperature, though the planet’s close proximity to its star likely means it experiences extreme temperatures and radiation.
Physical Characteristics
Kepler-236 c is considered a Super Earth, a term used to describe planets that are larger than Earth but smaller than Uranus and Neptune. With a mass 4.66 times that of Earth and a radius 2.0 times larger, Kepler-236 c stands out as a significant example of planets that may have similar characteristics to Earth but with potential for unique environments.
Its size and mass imply that Kepler-236 c could have a dense atmosphere, possibly composed of gases like hydrogen, helium, or even water vapor, although further study would be necessary to confirm the composition. The planet’s large mass could also indicate that it has a strong gravitational pull, potentially capable of retaining an atmosphere even in the harsh environment near its host star.
Potential for Habitability
While Kepler-236 c is far from being in the “habitable zone” where liquid water could exist as it orbits extremely close to its star, the planet is an intriguing example for scientific exploration. The close distance to its star and rapid orbit suggest that it is not a candidate for supporting life as we know it due to intense radiation and heat. However, studying Super Earths like Kepler-236 c helps scientists understand the broader range of planetary environments that exist in the galaxy.
The dense nature of Super Earths and their various characteristics, such as their larger size and stronger gravitational fields, provide insight into the formation and evolution of planets. Understanding these kinds of exoplanets is crucial as astronomers search for Earth-like planets that could harbor life in the more distant reaches of space.
Conclusion
Kepler-236 c represents one of many diverse exoplanets that have been discovered through the Kepler mission. As a Super Earth with significant mass and radius, it provides a valuable case study for astronomers interested in the types of planets that can exist around distant stars. While it may not be a candidate for life due to its close orbit and extreme conditions, its discovery enhances our understanding of the wide variety of planets that populate our galaxy. By continuing to study planets like Kepler-236 c, we move closer to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and the potential for life beyond our solar system.