Habitability of K-type main-sequence star systems

K-type main-sequence stars, also known as orange dwarfs, may be candidates for supporting extraterrestrial life.

In comparison, red dwarf stars have too much solar activity and quickly tidally lock the planets in their habitable zones, making them less suitable for life.

[7] This prolonged radiation saturation period may sterilise, destroy the atmospheres of, or at least delay the emergence of life for Earth-like planets orbiting inside the habitable zones around K-type dwarf stars.

[9] Kepler-62 and Kepler-442 are examples of discoveries by Kepler of systems consisting of a K-type dwarf with potentially habitable planets orbiting it.

HD 85512 b was originally thought to be a super-Earth with habitability potential orbiting a K-type main-sequence star,[10][11] but it is now considered to be a false positive detection,[12] an artifact caused by stellar rotation.