NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), in collaboration with citizen scientists, has made an exciting discovery a new exoplanet dubbed TOI-4465 b that’s drawing attention for being both large and relatively cool. This gas giant, located nearly 400 light-years from Earth, is making waves in the astronomy community for its unique characteristics that place it between hot gas giants and icy worlds like Neptune.
TOI-4465 b is no ordinary planet. With a mass approximately six times that of Jupiter and a diameter 1.25 times larger, it’s a true giant. What makes it particularly fascinating is its moderate temperature profile ranging from 93°C to 204°C despite being in close proximity to its host star. This is cooler than most gas giants found in similar orbits, which often reach scorching temperatures due to their closeness to their stars.
The planet completes an orbit around its star every 102 Earth days, following an elliptical path that places it at less than half the distance between Earth and the Sun. This orbital period and distance contribute to its relatively mild temperatures, especially when compared to the often blistering conditions of other exoplanets discovered in similar circumstances.
Astronomers are especially intrigued by TOI-4465 b because it fills a knowledge gap in planetary science. “It acts as a bridge between hot Jupiters and the colder, more distant ice giants like Neptune,” said a lead researcher. Its density and size offer a rare opportunity to study the formation and evolution of gas giants that do not fall neatly into existing planetary categories.
The discovery also highlights the ongoing contributions of citizen scientists who help sift through TESS data to identify potential exoplanet candidates. With each new discovery, the TESS mission expands our understanding of the cosmos, offering glimpses into the vast diversity of worlds beyond our solar system.
TOI-4465 b not only adds to the growing catalog of exoplanets but also provides scientists with a valuable case study in the complex science of planetary atmospheres and formation, inching us closer to understanding the many worlds that populate our galaxy.
