Mini-Neptune in Double Star System
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Produced by the Space Telescope Science Institute’s Office of Public Outreach in collaboration with NASA’s Universe of Learning partners: Caltech/IPAC, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Video imagery:
- Animation of binary stars: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Chris Smith (USRA)
- Artist's concept of planet TOI 4633 c in its double-star system: Ed Bell for Simons Foundation
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Photos of planets, nebulas, and galaxies scroll on screen. Text: NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSE.
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Animation, two stars revolve around each other. Text: MAY 31, 2024. ANIMATION, MINI-NEPTUNE IN DOUBLE STAR SYSTEM Astronomers have combined observations dating back to 1905 with new, high-resolution imaging to reveal a companion star in the TOI 4 6 3 3 system, 309 light-years away.
MINI NEPTUNE IN DOUBLE STAR SYSTEM. Citizen scientists also helped to discover an exoplanet in the system - a gas planet smaller than Neptune - using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, (TESS). A gassy blue planet in the foreground with a bright sun in the background. Text: The planet has a 272-day year, the second longest orbit confirmed by TESS to date.
Uncommon features, like the twin suns' close approach to each other, and the planet's long orbit, make the system a fascinating one for astronomers.
How did such a system form, and will it remain stable long term? Follow-up on this system continues, including confirming the presence of a possible additional planet.
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This news was brought to you in part by the JET PROPULSION LABORATORY IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA.