RIVERSIDE – (INT) - A UC Riverside astronomer and a group of citizen scientists have discovered a giant gas planet hidden from view by typical stargazing tools.

The planet---dubbed TOI-2180 b--- has the same diameter as Jupiter, but is nearly three times more massive. Researchers also believe it contains 105 times the mass of Earth in elements heavier than helium and hydrogen. Nothing quite like it exists in our solar system.

“It’s such an exciting planet to have found,” said UCR astronomer Paul Dalba, who helped confirm the planet’s existence.

Dalba explained that the planet is special because it takes 261 days to complete a journey around its star, a long time compared to many known gas giants outside our solar system. Its relative proximity to Earth and the brightness of the star it orbits also make it likely astronomers will be able to learn more about it.

Details of the finding were presented at the American Astronomical Society virtual press event, January 13th.

Story Date: January 31, 2022