12602

12602 is a circumbinary exoplanet (or exo-Earth) candidate. It orbits the binary star system BBC Met 392, which consists of two stars. This system is located approximately 196 light-years from the Sun in the Cassiopeia constellation. The planet was discovered in 2004 as a candidate for hosting liquid water on its surface, which is one of the key factors in determining the potential habitability of exoplanets.

Orbital parameters of 12602 indicate that it orbits the stars at a distance of about 0.37 astronomical units (AU), with a slightly eccentric orbit. An AU is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, approximately 149.6 million kilometers. The orbital period of 12602 is approximately 145 days, which means it takes roughly a little over four months to complete one orbit around its host stars.

Initial observations indicated that the planet is likely to have a temperate climate, with temperatures suitable for liquid water. Factors such as atmospheric composition and pressure, although essential for definitive conclusions about habitability, are not well understood for this exoplanet candidate. Additional data, possibly collected through future groundbreaking astronomical missions, could improve understanding of the planet's conditions and other characteristics.

As with many exoplanet candidates, further research is needed to confirm the existence and nature of 12602. Ongoing efforts in the field of exoplanetary astronomy herald a potential surge in high-precision investigations, possibly ultimately providing conclusive evidence about the validity and the relevance of 12602.