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NASA Spots Cold Exoplanet with Potential for Habitability

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NASA scientists detected the exoplanet HD 137010 b orbiting a Sun-like star 146 light-years away.
It may lie near its star's habitable zone, but cold could hinder liquid water.
Models show it receives less than one-third of Earth's solar energy, with temperatures near minus 90 F.
The research team estimates a 40% chance for the conservative zone and 51% for the optimistic zone.
Confirmation will require future space telescope observations.

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Story summary

NASA scientists detected the exoplanet HD 137010 b orbiting a Sun-like star 146 light-years away.
It may lie near its star's habitable zone, but cold could hinder liquid water.
Models show it receives less than one-third of Earth's solar energy, with temperatures near minus 90 F.
The research team estimates a 40% chance for the conservative zone and 51% for the optimistic zone.
Confirmation will require future space telescope observations.