Astronomers have found an unusually large planet orbiting a small star, located about 280 light-years from Earth
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. . The unexpected size of the newly discovered world, called TOI 5205b, has led researchers to call it the “forbidden planet.” About the size of Jupiter, it was spotted by researchers using NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system.
Astronomers have found a few gas giant planets orbiting older M dwarf stars, but TOI 5205b is the first gas giant to be found around a low-mass M dwarf star. The researchers compared the planet to a pea going around a lemon. In our solar system, Jupiter could be compared to a pea orbiting a grapefruit . When TOI 5205b crosses in front of its star during orbit, the planet blocks 7% of its light. The discovery of the planetary system challenges theories on planet formation.
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