TESS mission uncovers planet with record-breaking orbit

1 min read
Source: MIT News
TESS mission uncovers planet with record-breaking orbit
Photo: MIT News
TL;DR

Astronomers using NASA's TESS mission have discovered a rare system containing two long-period planets orbiting the star TOI-4600, located 815 light years from Earth. The inner planet has an 82-day orbit, similar to Mercury, while the outer planet has a 482-day orbit, placing it between Earth and Mars. Both planets are likely gas giants, bridging the gap between "hot Jupiters" and the colder, longer-period gas giants in our solar system. The discovery provides valuable insights into the formation and composition of planets with longer orbital periods.

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