Astronomers measure the mass of a rogue planet drifting through the galaxy

For First Time, The Mass And Distance Of A Solitary “Rogue” Planet Has Been Measured

It was only possible thanks to simultaneous observations from Earth and space.

INTERESTING: New Rogue Planet Discovered

The researchers argue that this free-floating object did not form in isolation but was ejected from a host planetary system by dynamical interactions.

Astronomers measure the mass of a rogue planet drifting through the galaxy

Scientists have discovered a rogue planet roaming the Milky Way after combining observations from Earth and a space telescope. This rare dual perspective allowed them to weigh the planet and pinpoint where it lies in the galaxy. With a mass similar to Saturn, the planet likely formed around a star before being thrown out. The finding opens a new window into how planets are lost to interstellar space.

Astronomers Measure Mass of Free-Floating Exoplanet for First Time

Astronomers have discovered a microlensing event that breaks the mass-distance degeneracy: KMT-2024-BLG-0792/OGLE-2024-BLG-0516. The post Astronomers Measure Mass of Free-Floating Exoplanet for First Time appeared first on Sci.News: Breaking Science News.

Gravitational lensing helps astronomers determine the true mass of a rogue planet

Planets usually stay close to their host stars, tracing steady paths shaped by gravity. Yet some planets break free and drift alone through the Milky Way. Astronomers call these objects free-floating or rogue planets. A new study published in Science reports one of the clearest detections yet of such a world, including precise measurements of both its mass and distance. The research was led by Gavin A. L. Coleman from the School of Physical and …