Exoplanet TOI-733b

Exoplanet TOI-733b, discovered 245 light-years away, is a unique celestial body with a density of 3.98 g/cm³. Slightly less than double Earth's radius, it orbits a star smaller than the Sun every 4.9 days.

Exoplanet TOI-733b, discovered 245 light-years away, is a unique celestial body with a density of 3.98 g/cm³. Slightly less than double Earth's radius, it orbits a star smaller than the Sun every 4.9 days.

Exoplanet Quick Facts

Planet Type Super Earth
Discovery Date 2023
Mass (Earths) 5.72
Radius (Earth) 1.992
Orbital Radius 0.0618 AU
Orbital Period 4.9 Days
Eccentricity 0.05
Detection Method Transit

Exoplanet Detection

In a groundbreaking revelation, the scientific community has identified a novel exoplanet, TOI-733b, situated approximately 245 light-years away from Earth. Published in the esteemed Astronomy & Astrophysics journal, the study delineates key attributes of this celestial body.

Notably, TOI-733b, with a radius just under twice that of Earth, exhibits a density of 3.98 grams per cubic centimeter, surpassing Mars but falling short of Earth's density. Orbiting a star marginally smaller than the Sun, this exoplanet completes its orbit in a mere 4.9 days, owing to its proximity to the stellar body. Intriguingly, experts posit two plausible scenarios for TOI-733b: the loss of its atmospheric layer due to its proximity to the star or its potential characterization as a "highly irradiated oceanic world."

The planet's resemblance to a mini Neptune and its association with the shrinking process common to such bodies further accentuate its scientific significance.

Graphic depicting the transit method.

About TOI-733b

In a celestial milestone, the astronomical community has unveiled TOI-733b, a recently discovered exoplanet positioned 245 light-years away from Earth. Published in the prestigious Astronomy & Astrophysics journal, this groundbreaking study reveals that TOI-733b, boasting a radius slightly less than double that of Earth, exhibits a density of 3.98 grams per cubic centimeter.

This density, while surpassing that of Mars, falls below Earth's 5.51 grams per cubic centimeter. The exoplanet, orbiting a star marginally smaller than the Sun, completes its orbit in a mere 4.9 days, a phenomenon attributed to its close proximity to the stellar body. Currently, TOI-733b stands as a desolate, arid mass, devoid of a gaseous atmosphere, sparking speculation among experts.

The study explores two hypotheses: atmospheric dissipation due to its solar proximity or an intriguing alternative, the potential existence of an irradiated oceanic environment. Analogous to a miniature Neptune, TOI-733b mirrors the shrinking process observed in similar celestial bodies, raising questions about the responsible mechanism. This discovery underscores the evolving frontier of exoplanetary research, adding a unique dimension to our understanding of distant planetary systems.

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