How Far Is K2 18b From Earth
K2 18b is located about 124 light years from Earth, which is roughly 1.17 trillion kilometers or 727 trillion miles. This distance is based on observations from the Kepler mission and follow-up studies.
Where Is K2 18b Located
The exoplanet orbits the red dwarf star K2 18 in the constellation Leo. It was discovered in 2015 using data from NASA's Kepler space telescope and later studied with the Hubble Space Telescope.
Key Facts About K2 18b
K2 18b is a sub-Neptune sized world that sits in its star's habitable zone, where temperatures could allow liquid water. In 2023, researchers reported possible detection of dimethyl sulfide in its atmosphere, though further confirmation is needed.
Why Distance Matters for Studying K2 18b
At 124 light years away, K2 18b is one of the closer known exoplanets where atmospheric studies are possible with current telescopes. Its relative proximity makes it a key target for future instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope.
