than in comparison to G-type and early M-type dwarf stars. This prolonged radiation saturation period may be sterilising, destroying the atmospheres of, or at least delaying the emergence of life for Earth-like planets orbiting inside the habitable zones around K-type dwarf stars. K-type main-sequence stars are about three to four times as abundant as G-type main-sequence stars, making planet searches easier. While M-type stars are the most abundant, they are more likely to have tidally locked planets in orbit and are more prone to producing solar flares and cold spots that would more easily strike nearby rocky planets, potentially making it much harder for life to develop. Due to their greater heat, the habitable zones of K-type stars are also much wider than those of M-type stars. For all of these reasons, they may be the most favorable stars to focus on in the search for exoplanets and extraterrestrial life. Some of the nearest K-type stars known to have planets include Epsilon Eridani, HD 192310, Gliese 86, and 54 Piscium. See also Solar analog Red dwarf Yellow dwarf Stellar classification, Class K Star count, survey of stars Habitability of K-type main-sequence star systems References Star types