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Exoplanet Disappears: A Cosmic Mystery Unfolds
14 Nov
Summary
- A Jupiter-sized planet, TOI-2535 b, has unexpectedly disappeared from view.
- Its orbit tilted so rapidly that its transits became undetectable by TESS.
- A nearby, unseen planet is believed to be responsible for the orbital shift.
Astronomers are baffled by the sudden disappearance of exoplanet TOI-2535 b, a gas giant comparable in size to Jupiter, which was observed for seven years by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The planet, located approximately 1,000 light-years away, exhibited unusual behavior, with its transits across its star becoming progressively shorter and fainter.
Previously, TOI-2535 b's transits arrived hours early or late, indicating orbital instability. This rapid orbital tilting caused the planet to move out of TESS's detection range, making it appear to have vanished. Researchers suggest this phenomenon is the most extreme case yet of two celestial bodies gravitationally influencing each other's orbits.
The likely cause is a nearby, massive, unseen planet that is also on a tilted orbit. This hidden companion's gravitational pull has significantly altered TOI-2535 b's path. Scientists theorize this gravitational dance is a gentler mechanism for giant planets to migrate close to their stars than previously thought.
While TOI-2535 b is expected to swing back into view in 30 to 50 years, its unseen partner may become detectable sooner. This discovery challenges the notion of a perfectly predictable universe, revealing dynamic and surprising celestial interactions.
