XO-2 is a binary star system about 490lk=onNaNlk=on away in the constellation Lynx. It consists of two components, XO-2N and XO-2S, both of which host planetary systems.
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.
XO-2N and XO-2S have a separation of approximately AU.
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. 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, and is further supported by a 2024 study.
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. A 2024 study found evidence for a third, super-Jupiter mass planet around XO-2S.