(ORDO NEWS) — At a distance of 472.9 light-years from the solar system, in the orbit of the star Kepler-438 is the exoplanet Kepler-438 b, which is not without reason called ” Earth‘s twin”.
Exoplanet endowed with a dense atmosphere, 12% larger than Earth
The average temperature on the surface is supposedly higher by 1-2 degrees Celsius compared to our planet.
A year on Kepler-438 b lasts only 35 Earth days, which is explained by the small distance to the parent star, which is a red dwarf, which is almost half the size and lighter of the Sun.
The temperature of the surface of the star Kepler-438 is about 3475 degrees Celsius versus 5505 degrees of the solar surface.
Thus, the Earth-like exoplanet is in the habitable zone, which means that liquid water may be present on the surface.
Since the star Kepler-438 is a red dwarf of spectral type M, flares from its side are observed on average 1-3 times a year. It is noteworthy that these flares can be 10 times more powerful than solar flares ever recorded.
Kepler-438 b receives a consistently high dose of radiation and gradually loses part of the atmosphere, which is blown away by an aggressive star.
If an outbreak of such power had covered the Earth at least once, then most of the flora and fauna would have been destroyed.
However, evolution is known to be able to work miracles, and Kepler-438 b could give birth to life that enjoys flashes and constantly mutates.
In many key ways, including the expected chemical composition of the atmosphere, Kepler-438 b is very similar to the young Earth.
If it were not for the violent temper of the star, then the distant world would be suitable even for earthly life.
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