The new planet
You're referring to the recent discovery of a new planet!
You're likely thinking of the exoplanet discovered in 2022, which was announced by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The new planet, named HD 106906 b, is a gas giant that orbits a star located about 300 light-years from Earth.
Here are some fascinating facts about this new planet:
- Massive size: HD 106906 b is a behemoth, with a mass estimated to be around 11 times that of Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system.
- Young age: The star it orbits, HD 106906, is a young star, only about 13 million years old. This means the planet is likely still in its formative stages.
- Unusual orbit: The planet's orbit is quite unusual, as it's tilted at an angle of about 30 degrees relative to the star's equator. This could be due to the gravitational influence of other planets or a massive object in the system.
- Potential for moons: Given its massive size, HD 106906 b could potentially have its own moons. This would make it a fascinating target for future studies.
- Discovery method: The planet was discovered using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile. Astronomers used a technique called radial velocity measurements to detect the planet's gravitational pull on its star.
This new planet is an exciting discovery, offering scientists a chance to learn more about the formation and evolution of planetary systems beyond our own. Who knows what secrets it might hold?
Would you like to know more about exoplanets or the methods used to detect them?