Kepler-62f

Lore & Background

Kepler-62f was discovered using the transit method, which measures the dimming effect as a planet crosses in front of its star. Its discovery, along with that of Kepler-62e, was announced in April 2013 as part of a Kepler space telescope data release. The planet has a radius of 1.41 times that of Earth, placing it below the threshold of 1.6 Earth radii where a planet would likely be a mini-Neptune with a volatile composition and no solid surface; thus it is likely a rocky or terrestrial planet, possibly ocean-covered. Its mass is not yet constrained, though estimates place an upper limit. The planet orbits at 0.718 AU with an orbital period of roughly 267 days, and has an equilibrium temperature of 208 K, similar to that of Mars. Because it lies in the outer part of its star's habitable zone, key components such as its atmosphere still need to be assessed to determine habitability. The host star, Kepler-62, has less mass than the Sun and can live up to about 30 billion years, providing a long stable period for potential biological development.

Reader's Guide

Kepler-62f is considered a potential candidate for the search for extraterrestrial life and was chosen as one of the targets for study by the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program. Its significance lies in its location within the habitable zone of a relatively quiet, long-lived orange dwarf star, which may provide a stable environment over billions of years. The planet's radius suggests it is likely a terrestrial or ocean-covered world, rather than a gaseous mini-Neptune, increasing its potential for surface liquid water. However, because it orbits in the outer part of the habitable zone, its actual habitability depends on factors such as atmospheric composition and greenhouse warming, which remain unknown. The discovery of Kepler-62f, along with Kepler-62e, expanded the catalog of known exoplanets in habitable zones and highlighted the diversity of super-Earths. Its selection as a SETI target underscores its importance in the ongoing effort to detect signs of life beyond the Solar System. The planet's long orbital period and distance from its star also provide a useful comparison for models of planetary climate and evolution.

Did You Know?

• Kepler-62f is also known by its Kepler Object of Interest designation KOI-701.04.
• Its host star, Kepler-62, can live up to about 30 billion years due to having less mass than the Sun.
• The planet has an equilibrium temperature of 208 K, close to that of Mars.
• Kepler-62f was chosen as a target for study by the SETI program.