Kepler-387 c: A Unique Terrestrial Exoplanet in the Search for Life Beyond Earth
The search for habitable exoplanets has been one of the most exciting and rewarding scientific endeavors of the past few decades. As technology improves, astronomers have been able to discover thousands of planets orbiting stars outside of our Solar System, broadening our understanding of planetary systems and the possibility of life elsewhere. One such fascinating discovery is Kepler-387 c, a terrestrial planet located approximately 2,613 light-years from Earth. This article delves into the characteristics of Kepler-387 c, including its discovery, physical properties, and its potential for supporting life.

Discovery and Location
Kepler-387 c was discovered as part of NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope mission, which was launched to detect Earth-like planets orbiting distant stars using the transit method. The planet was first identified in 2014, marking it as a part of a broader search for exoplanets that could resemble Earth in their potential to support life. The Kepler-387 system is located approximately 2,613 light-years away from Earth, making it a distant yet intriguing target for future observational studies.
Kepler-387 c orbits its host star, a relatively faint star with a stellar magnitude of 14.129. This stellar magnitude indicates that Kepler-387’s star is much dimmer compared to our Sun, meaning that the planet likely resides in a much cooler and more distant region than Earth does within our Solar System. Despite the distance, the discovery of this exoplanet has provided valuable insight into the diversity of planetary systems across the galaxy.
Physical Characteristics
Kepler-387 c is classified as a terrestrial planet, meaning that it is composed primarily of rock and metal, similar to Earth. This distinguishes it from gas giants or ice giants, which are composed mainly of gases such as hydrogen and helium. Terrestrial planets are often considered more likely to support life, particularly if they possess the right conditions such as a stable atmosphere and liquid water. However, this does not necessarily mean that Kepler-387 c is habitable, as several factors—such as its location and its relationship with its host star—play a crucial role in determining its ability to support life.
One of the most significant aspects of Kepler-387 c is its size. The planet has a mass that is approximately 64% that of Earth, as indicated by its mass multiplier of 0.64. This suggests that Kepler-387 c is somewhat smaller and less massive than Earth, which may influence its gravity, atmospheric conditions, and overall habitability. Despite its lower mass, the planet’s composition as a terrestrial body means it likely has a solid surface, making it a subject of interest for future studies on planetary geology.
Additionally, Kepler-387 c has a radius approximately 89% that of Earth, suggesting that it is slightly smaller in size than our planet. This information is important for understanding its internal structure and the forces that may shape its surface over time. With a smaller radius, the planet could potentially experience different geological and atmospheric conditions compared to Earth, which could have implications for its habitability.
Orbital and Physical Parameters
Kepler-387 c orbits its host star at an orbital radius of 0.098 AU (Astronomical Units). An AU is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, and a smaller orbital radius means that the planet is much closer to its star than Earth is to the Sun. The proximity of Kepler-387 c to its host star suggests that it may receive higher levels of radiation compared to Earth. This would significantly affect its surface temperature, potentially making it too hot to support life as we know it. However, the planet’s orbital radius is not the only factor influencing its climate; other atmospheric and orbital characteristics will also play a role in determining its surface conditions.
The planet’s orbital period, or the time it takes to complete one orbit around its star, is just 0.0323 Earth years, or roughly 11.8 Earth days. This short orbital period is typical for exoplanets that are in close proximity to their host stars, and it means that Kepler-387 c completes one orbit in less than two weeks. Its orbital period, combined with its orbital radius, suggests that it experiences high temperatures and could be tidally locked, with one side of the planet always facing the star and the other side in perpetual darkness.
The eccentricity of Kepler-387 c’s orbit is 0.0, indicating that its orbit is nearly circular. This is an important feature because planets with highly elliptical orbits experience significant fluctuations in temperature as they move closer to and farther from their star. A circular orbit, on the other hand, suggests more stable and consistent conditions over time, which is generally considered more favorable for the potential development of life.
Detection Method and Observational Challenges
Kepler-387 c was discovered using the transit method, which involves monitoring the light from a star for periodic dimming caused by a planet passing in front of it. This method is one of the most effective techniques for detecting exoplanets, especially those that are relatively small and orbit stars at distances where their light can be detected. When a planet transits in front of its star, it causes a temporary decrease in the star’s brightness, which can be measured to determine the size, orbit, and other properties of the planet.
Despite the powerful capabilities of the Kepler Space Telescope, detecting planets like Kepler-387 c still presents challenges. For one, the planet is located far from Earth, making it difficult to study in detail. The faint nature of its host star further complicates the process, as dim stars produce less light, making it harder to detect the faint dimming caused by the planet’s transit. However, advancements in technology, such as the development of more sensitive instruments and the launch of new space telescopes, promise to provide deeper insights into exoplanets like Kepler-387 c.
The Potential for Habitability
The discovery of Kepler-387 c raises interesting questions about the potential for habitability in distant exoplanets. Although the planet is classified as terrestrial and is located in the habitable zone of its host star, it may not necessarily be suitable for life. Several factors need to be considered when evaluating a planet’s potential to support life, including its atmospheric composition, surface temperature, and the presence of liquid water.
One of the key factors that could influence the habitability of Kepler-387 c is its proximity to its star. Being so close to its host star, the planet could experience extreme temperatures that make it inhospitable to life as we know it. Furthermore, its short orbital period and potential tidal locking could lead to significant temperature gradients between the day and night sides of the planet, further complicating the possibility of a stable, habitable environment.
That being said, scientists are continually refining their models of habitability, and new discoveries are constantly reshaping our understanding of what conditions are necessary for life to exist. Kepler-387 c, despite its apparent challenges, is a valuable subject of study in this ongoing quest.
Conclusion
Kepler-387 c is a fascinating exoplanet that provides valuable insights into the diversity of planetary systems beyond our own. Its discovery in 2014 using the Kepler Space Telescope has helped to expand our knowledge of terrestrial planets and their potential to support life. With its small size, proximity to its host star, and unique orbital characteristics, Kepler-387 c presents both challenges and opportunities for future scientific research.
While it may not currently appear to be a suitable candidate for life, the study of planets like Kepler-387 c is essential for understanding the broader landscape of exoplanetary systems and refining our search for habitable worlds in the universe. As we continue to explore distant stars and their planets, the lessons learned from Kepler-387 c will undoubtedly play a role in shaping our understanding of life beyond Earth.