A team of astronomers, led by Kyle Franson from the University of Texas at Austin, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in exoplanet research. Utilizing the powerful W. M. Keck Observatory, they successfully captured direct images of a remarkable discovery – AF Lep b, an exoplanet with an exceptionally low mass. This groundbreaking study, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, signifies a remarkable leap forward in exoplanet detection by employing the innovative astrometry technique, specifically to identify a gas giant orbiting a youthful star akin to our Sun.
By employing the astrometry technique, scientists have directly imaged AF Lep b, an exoplanet with a remarkably low mass. The application of this methodology has the potential to revolutionize the way we uncover exoplanets, particularly those that pose challenges due to their distance, mass, or orientation relative to Earth.
The discovery of AF Lep b, one of the least massive exoplanets to have its images directly captured, was made possible by the astronomers utilizing the W. M. Keck Observatory located on Maunakea, Hawaiʻi Island. Not only were they able to measure the planet’s mass, but they also determined that its orbit resembles those of giant planets within our own solar system.
AF Lep b, captured through a direct image taken by the Keck II telescope, is an exoplanet with a mass and orbit resembling that of Jupiter. Credit: University of Texas at Austin/W. M. Keck Observatory
The research, led by astronomy graduate student Kyle Franson at the University of Texas at Austin, marks a significant breakthrough in exoplanet exploration. “When we processed the observations using the Keck II telescope in real-time, carefully removing the star’s glare, the planet became increasingly apparent the longer we observed,” remarked Franson.
The direct images obtained by Franson’s team unveiled AF Lep b as a planet approximately three times the mass of Jupiter. It orbits AF Leporis, a young Sun-like star located roughly 87.5 light-years away. Deep images of the planet were taken starting from December 2021, and subsequently, two other research teams also managed to capture images of the same planet.
Brendan Bowler, an assistant professor of astronomy at UT Austin and senior author of the study, stated, “This is the first time this method has been used to find a giant planet orbiting a young analog of the Sun. This opens the door to using this approach as a new tool for exoplanet discovery.”
Images taken in December 2021 and February 2023 clearly reveal the motion of the extrasolar planet AF Lep b (white spot at approximately 10 o’clock) around its host star (center). These images were obtained using the 10-meter telescope at the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaiʻi. Credit: Kyle Franson, University of Texas at Austin/W. M. Keck Observatory
Despite its significantly smaller mass compared to its host star, an orbiting planet causes a slight wobble in the star’s position around the system’s center of mass. Astrometry exploits this shift in a star’s position relative to other stars in the sky, allowing astronomers to infer the existence of orbiting planets, including AF Lep b, which are otherwise challenging to detect. Franson and Bowler identified AF Leporis as a star likely to harbor a planet, based on its observed motion over 25 years using data from the Hipparcos and Gaia satellites.
To directly image AF Lep b, the team from UT Austin employed Keck Observatory’s adaptive optics system, which
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exoplanet discovery
What is the significance of the recent discovery of AF Lep b?
The recent discovery of AF Lep b is highly significant because it marks a new era in exoplanet discovery. Astronomers have captured direct images of this low-mass exoplanet using the astrometry technique, providing valuable insights into planets that are challenging to detect due to their distance, mass, or orientation relative to Earth.
How was AF Lep b detected using the astrometry technique?
AF Lep b was detected using the astrometry technique, which involves measuring the subtle movements of a host star over an extended period. This method allows astronomers to detect the gravitational tug exerted by an orbiting companion, such as a planet. By analyzing the star’s position in the sky relative to other stars, astronomers were able to confirm the existence of AF Lep b.
What is the significance of directly imaging exoplanets?
Directly imaging exoplanets, like AF Lep b, provides crucial information about their physical properties and allows scientists to study their mass, orbit, and even atmospheric chemistry. This approach offers a more direct way of characterizing exoplanets, complementing other detection methods that rely on observing the influence of planets on their host stars.
How does the Keck Observatory contribute to exoplanet research?
The Keck Observatory, located in Hawaiʻi, played a vital role in the discovery of AF Lep b. Its advanced technologies, such as adaptive optics and the Near-Infrared Camera 2 (NIRC2) Vector Vortex Coronagraph, enabled astronomers to capture clear images of the exoplanet despite its faintness compared to its host star. The observatory’s capabilities continue to contribute to advancements in exoplanet research.
What are the future plans for studying AF Lep b?
The team involved in the discovery of AF Lep b plans to further study the planet using upcoming telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Thirty Meter Telescope. These future observations will provide additional insights into the physical properties and atmospheric chemistry of this remarkable exoplanet.
More about Exoplanet discovery
- Astrophysical Journal Letters
- W. M. Keck Observatory
- University of Texas at Austin Department of Astronomy
- NASA Exoplanet Science Institute
- James Webb Space Telescope
- Giant Magellan Telescope
- Thirty Meter Telescope
5 comments
this is revolutionary!! discovering exoplanets using astrometry is like next-level space science. keck observatory is a beast! can’t wait for more jaw-dropping discoveries!
direct imaging rocks! AF Lep b is a tiny planet with a big impact. props to the astronomers and their mad skills! excited to see what the future holds for exoplanet research.
omg! AF Lep b is such a cool find! imaging planets directly is like mind-blowing! can’t wait to see what they discover about its atmosphere and stuff!
wow this is amazin i love astronomy so cool they saw a low mass planet with the keck observatory. cant wait to learn more bout exoplanets!
keck observatory + astrometry = mind-blowing exoplanet discoveries! AF Lep b is just the beginning. can’t wait for the james webb telescope to reveal more cosmic secrets!