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Objects Encyclopedia Entry 1783000448

** The **Kepler-452b** is a potentially habitable exoplanet located approximately 1,400 light-years from Earth, orbiting a G-type star (similar to the Sun) in the constellation Cygnus. **CONTENT:** ## Overview The **Kepler-452b** is a fascinating exoplanet that has garnered significant attention from astronomers and planetary scientists due to its striking similarities to Earth. Discovered in 2015 by the Kepler space telescope, this exoplanet is a prime target for studying the possibility of life beyond our solar system. Located in the constellation Cygnus, Kepler-452b orbits a G-type star, also known as a G2V star, which is remarkably similar to the Sun in terms of its mass, size, and energy output. Kepler-452b is a terrestrial planet, meaning it is a rocky world with a solid surface, and its size is roughly 60% larger in diameter than Earth. This suggests that the planet may have a substantial atmosphere, which is a crucial factor in determining its potential habitability. The exoplanet's orbit is also noteworthy, as it takes approximately 385 days to complete one rotation around its star, which is only about 5% longer than Earth's orbital period. ## History/Background The discovery of Kepler-452b was announced on July 23, 2015, by NASA's Ames Research Center. The exoplanet was detected using the Kepler space telescope's transit method, which involves measuring the decrease in brightness of a star as a planet passes in front of it. The Kepler space telescope was launched in 2009 and has been instrumental in discovering thousands of exoplanets since its deployment. The discovery of Kepler-452b was a significant milestone in the search for life beyond our solar system, as it marked the first time a potentially habitable exoplanet had been discovered orbiting a star similar to the Sun. ## Key Information Kepler-452b is a terrestrial exoplanet with a mass estimated to be around 5 times that of Earth. Its size and mass suggest that it may have a substantial atmosphere, which is a crucial factor in determining its potential habitability. The exoplanet's surface temperature is estimated to be around 10°C (50°F), which is similar to Earth's average temperature. Kepler-452b's orbit is also noteworthy, as it is located in the habitable zone of its star, which means that it receives the right amount of energy to support liquid water on its surface. ## Significance The discovery of Kepler-452b has significant implications for the search for life beyond our solar system. As a potentially habitable exoplanet orbiting a star similar to the Sun, Kepler-452b offers a unique opportunity to study the conditions necessary for life to exist. The exoplanet's size and mass suggest that it may have a substantial atmosphere, which is a crucial factor in determining its potential habitability. The discovery of Kepler-452b also highlights the importance of continued space exploration and the need for further research into the possibility of life beyond our solar system. **INFOBOX:** - Name: Kepler-452b - Type: Terrestrial exoplanet - Date: July 23, 2015 - Location: Constellation Cygnus - Known For: Potentially habitable exoplanet orbiting a G-type star **TAGS:** Exoplanet, Kepler space telescope, G-type star, Potentially habitable, Terrestrial planet, Space exploration, Astrobiology, Planetary science.