description Kepler-62b Overview
Kepler-62b is the innermost known planet in the five-planet system orbiting Kepler-62, a K-type star. It was announced in 2013 using the transit method, which detects the slight dimming caused when a planet crosses the face of its star. Kepler-62b completes an orbit in about 5.7 days and is classified as a hot super-Earth or small sub-Neptune. Its close orbit places it well inside the system's habitable zone.
help Kepler-62b FAQ
How was Kepler-62b discovered?
NASA's Kepler mission found it with the transit method, by measuring the small dip in starlight when the planet crosses its star. The system's discovery was announced in 2013, and Kepler-62b's period is about 5.71 days.
Is Kepler-62b the inner planet in the Kepler-62 system?
Yes, Kepler-62b is the innermost of the system's five known planets, followed by c, d, e, and f. It orbits at roughly 0.055 AU, much closer to Kepler-62 than the outer pair e and f.
Is Kepler-62b in the habitable zone?
No, its 5.71-day orbit puts it far inside the region usually discussed as the system's habitable zone. Kepler-62e and Kepler-62f are the named outer planets that drew the habitability interest, although that does not prove either has life.
How big is Kepler-62b compared with Earth?
Its measured radius is about 1.31 Earth radii, so it is larger than Earth but much smaller than Neptune. The radius comes from its transit depth and the estimated size of the Kepler-62 star.
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