Kepler-62e is one of thousands of exoplanets discovered by NASA’s Kepler spacecraft. It was found orbiting the star Kepler-62, which is located approximately 1,200 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Lyra. Here are some key details about Kepler-62e:
Size and Composition:
Kepler-62e is classified as a super-Earth, meaning it is larger than Earth but smaller than gas giants like Neptune or Jupiter. It has a radius about 1.6 times that of Earth.
Temperature and Climate
It orbits its host star within the habitable zone, where conditions might allow for the existence of liquid water on its surface. However, the exact temperature and climate of Kepler-62e are not precisely known. It could potentially have a range of conditions, depending on factors such as its atmosphere and composition.
Orbital Characteristics
Kepler-62e orbits its host star with a period of approximately 122 days. Its orbit places it within the habitable zone, which is crucial for assessing its potential for supporting life.
The planet’s host star, Kepler-62, is a K-type dwarf star. K-type dwarfs are slightly smaller and cooler than the Sun, but they are still capable of supporting habitable zones where planets like Kepler-62e could exist.
The Kepler-62 system has five known exoplanets: Kepler-62b, Kepler-62c, Kepler-62d, Kepler-62e, and Kepler-62f. Two of these planets, Kepler-62e and Kepler-62f, are located in the star’s habitable zone.
Potential for Life
Like Kepler-186f, Kepler-62e has garnered interest because it resides within the habitable zone of its star. While the discovery of planets within the habitable zone does not guarantee the presence of life, it does suggest that conditions could be favourable for liquid water, which is considered a key ingredient for life as we know it.
Kepler-62e represents one of the many exoplanets discovered by the Kepler mission that have expanded our understanding of planetary systems beyond our solar system. Its discovery contributes to ongoing efforts to study potentially habitable worlds and assess the likelihood of finding life elsewhere in the universe.
Observation
Kepler-62e is located in the northern constellation of Lyra. Like all exoplanets, Kepler-62e is too faint to be observed by amateur instruments. Even it’s host star, Kepler-62 is too faint to be seen with binoculars or small amateur telescopes. To observe Kepler-62, you’d need a large aperture telescope, ideally 10 inches or more, and very dark sky conditions with minimal light pollution.
Since the star is located in the constellation Lyra, the best time to observe it is during the summer months, from June to September, when Lyra is high and visible in the night sky in the Northern Hemisphere.