XO-2_(star)

XO-2

XO-2

Binary star system in the constellation Lynx


XO-2 is a binary star system about 490 light-years (150 parsecs) away in the constellation Lynx. It consists of two components, XO-2N and XO-2S, both of which host planetary systems.[9]

Quick Facts Observation data Epoch J2000 Equinox J2000, Apparent magnitude (V) ...

Star system

This system is unusual in that the stars are not typically referred to as components A & B, but are designated based on their positions in the sky: XO-2N is the northern star and XO-2S is the southern star.

Both of the stars are slightly cooler than the Sun and are nearly identical to each other. The system has a magnitude of 11 and cannot be seen with the naked eye but is visible through a small telescope. These stars are also notable for their large proper motions.[7][8]

XO-2N and XO-2S have a separation of approximately 4,600 AU.[3]

Planetary systems

There is one confirmed exoplanet orbiting XO-2N. XO-2Nb, which is classified as a hot Jupiter, was discovered by the XO Telescope using the transit method around XO-2N in 2007. It was initially the only known planet in the system and was referred to as XO-2b.[3] A long-period variation in the radial velocity of XO-2N was detected in 2015, which could be explained by either a second planet or a stellar activity cycle. The stellar activity explanation is considered more likely,[6] and is further supported by a 2024 study.[10]

Two planets were reported to orbit around XO-2S in 2014 using the radial velocity method. One of them is Jupiter-mass and another has a mass comparable to Saturn.[9] A 2024 study found evidence for a third, super-Jupiter mass planet around XO-2S.[10]

More information Companion (in order from star), Mass ...
More information Companion (in order from star), Mass ...

See also


References

  1. Roman, Nancy G. (1987). "Identification of a Constellation From a Position". Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. 99 (617): 695–699. Bibcode:1987PASP...99..695R. doi:10.1086/132034. Vizier query form
  2. Burke, Christopher J.; et al. (2007). "XO-2b: Transiting Hot Jupiter in a Metal-rich Common Proper Motion Binary". The Astrophysical Journal. 671 (2): 2115–2128. arXiv:0705.0003. Bibcode:2007ApJ...671.2115B. doi:10.1086/523087. S2CID 13468914.
  3. Benavides, Rafael; Francisco Rica; Esteban Reina; Julio Castellanos; Ramón Naves; Luis Lahuerta; Salvador Lahuerta (2010). "New Wide Common Proper Motion Binaries". Journal of Double Star Observations. 6 (1): 30. Bibcode:2010JDSO....6...30B.
  4. Ruggieri, A.; Desidera, S.; et al. (April 2024). "The GAPS Programme at TNG. LIII. New insights on the peculiar XO-2 system". Astronomy & Astrophysics. 684: A116. arXiv:2401.17876. Bibcode:2024A&A...684A.116R. doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202348042.

Further reading


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