Kepler-12 b is a sizzling hot exoplanet orbiting its star, Kepler-12, far beyond our solar system in the realm explored by the Kepler Space Telescope. Discovered back in 2011 using the transit method, this world catches astronomers’ attention as it boldly skims close to its star, soaking up intense stellar rays. Unlike the cooler, more distant planets in our cosmic neighborhood, Kepler-12 b is a giant ball of gas with a super-inflated atmosphere that makes it puffed up and fluffy compared to our familiar Jupiter. While we can’t visit yet, studying Kepler-12 b gives us a playful peek at the wild diversity of planets out there, reminding us just how quirky and exciting the galaxy truly is!
