IN QUEST FOR LIFE OUTSIDE EARTH, 2 SUPER-SATURNS FOUND
Image: Unsplash
14 March 2024
In their search for life outside Earth, astronomers have discovered new exoplanets that are bigger than Saturn
Image: Unsplash
These intriguing planets - TOI-4600 b and c - were discovered by NASA's TESS mission
Image: Unsplash
The first one is a hot, rocky exoplanet located close to its host star
Image: Unsplash
TOI-4600 c, meanwhile, is a gas giant with a longer orbital period than its companion
Image: Unsplash
TOI-4600 b has a short orbital period of about 82.7 days, while TOI-4600 c completes its orbit in around 483 days
Image: Unsplash
They orbit a K-type dwarf star, which is cooler than our Sun and located nearly 700 light years away from Earth
Image: Unsplash
TOI-4600 b is likely a rocky world similar to Earth, while TOI-4600 c is classified as a gas giant, resembling Jupiter
Image: Unsplash
Neither of the planets falls within the habitable zone of their star, making them unlikely candidates for hosting life as we know it
Image: Unsplash
Astronomers continue to study TOI-4600 b and c to learn more about their compositions, atmospheres, and formation histories
Image: Unsplash
Check More Stories
Image: Unsplash
ndtv.com