The Search for Habitable Planets: Kepler-452b

As mankind continues its exploration of space, astronomers are always on the search for exoplanets (planets outside of Earth's solar system) that could possibly support organic life. Now, because these exoplanets are tens of lightyears or more away, we can't be for certain tell if a planet is habitable or not. However, astronomers can determine if a planet is with the habitable zone of their star. The habitable zone is defined as a planet that is a distance from their star at which water could exist on the surface of the planet. 

Kepler-452b was recently discovered by astronomers and an is an example of a planet that lies within the habitable zone of its star. Kepler-452b orbits within the inner edge of the habitable zone around the star Kepler-452. It's  the only planet within its system that has so far been discovered and is located about 1,800 light years from Earth in the constellation of Cygnus.

Kepler-452b Compared to Our Solar System

Kepler-452b is sometimes referred to as Earth's Cousin based on its characteristics that are similar to Earth. Kepler-452b orbits its star at a distance of 1.04 AU (156 million km; 97 million mi) which is nearly the same distance as Earth is from the sun. Its orbital period is also really similar to Earth of about 384 days. However, Kepler-452b is larger than earth with a radius about 1.5 that of Earth's and a mass 5 times greater than Earth's. It appears that the planet has a rocky composition and has the possibly of having liquid water. 

Kepler-452b is just one of many planets that astronomers consider as planets that can possibly support life. While Kepler-452b, like many other planets, it is still impossible to be for certain if planet is habitable or not. 

NASA Possible Concept Art of Kepler-452b

Sources:

-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepler-452b

-https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/search-for-life/habitable-zone/

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-kepler-mission-discovers-bigger-older-cousin-to-earth