K2-315b is an Earth-sized planet that orbits a cool red M-dwarf star once every 3.14 days.
The exoplanet was discovered using publicly available data from the Kepler Space Telescope during its extended K2 mission, and the discovery was announced in 2020.
What makes K2-315b unusual is that its orbital period is almost exactly the famous number Pi. Because the planet is so close to its star, its surface is probably extremely hot.
K2-315b is also very far away—more than 185 light-years from Earth. So instead of planning an interstellar trip to this “Pi planet,” it’s much easier—and far more comfortable—to celebrate Pi Day right here on Earth.
Image Credit: NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle, Christine Daniloff, MIT
source APOD
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