Earth’s Distant Cousin: Kepler-186f Quiz

First Earth-sized planet in a habitable zone is the correct answer. Before its discovery in 2014, most planets found in habitable zones were much larger "Super-Earths."

False. Because it is only 1.1 times the size of Earth, scientists strongly believe it is a rocky, terrestrial planet with a solid surface.

Red (or M-dwarf) is the correct answer. These stars are the most common in our galaxy and live for trillions of years.

Rocky, Habitable Zone, and Size are the correct answers. However, they orbit different stars—Earth orbits the Sun, while 186f orbits a red dwarf.

Sun one hour before sunset is the correct answer. Because the star is dimmer than our Sun, the planet receives about one-third the energy Earth does.

True. Because it orbits a cooler star, it must be closer than Earth is to stay warm, resulting in a much shorter orbital period.

Goldilocks is the correct answer. It refers to the temperature being "not too hot and not too cold" for liquid water.

500 light-years is the correct answer. This distance makes it impossible to visit with current technology, as it would take millions of years to reach.

Distance, dim star, and small size are the correct answers. Small rocky planets at great distances are currently at the edge of what our best telescopes can detect.

Transit Method is the correct answer. The Kepler telescope watched for the tiny dip in starlight as the planet passed in front of its star.

False. There are four other planets (186b, c, d, and e) in the system, but they all orbit too close to the star to be habitable.

32% is the correct answer. This puts it on the outer edge of the habitable zone, meaning it might be a cold, snowy world.

More red/orange is the correct answer. Because its star emits less blue light than our Sun, the atmospheric scattering would enhance red tones.

Water, Surface, and Atmosphere are the correct answers. Kepler-186f has the right size and distance to potentially have all three.

False. While it has the potential for habitability, we do not have any evidence of life or even liquid water yet.

The Transit Method is the correct answer. By measuring the "dip" in a star's brightness, astronomers can calculate the planet's radius. For Kepler-186f, this dip is tiny because the planet is roughly Earth-sized.

Extreme weather is the correct answer. While we aren't sure if 186f is tidally locked, many planets close to red dwarfs are, creating permanent day and night sides.

Red Dwarfs and White Dwarfs are generally cooler (though white dwarfs vary). Blue giants are much hotter.

Cygnus is the correct answer. This area of the sky was the primary focus of the original Kepler mission.

False. Since it is slightly larger (1.1x Earth), its gravity would likely be about 17% stronger than what we feel on Earth.