Ahmedabad scientists discover massive exoplanet TOI-6038A b

Ahmedabad : In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian astronomy, scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, have discovered a colossal alien planet outside our solar system. Named TOI-6038A b, this sub-Saturn exoplanet is so enormous that it can fit 263 Earths within its volume. The discovery was made using the PARAS-2 telescope at PRL’s Mount Abu observatory, marking a significant leap in India’s exoplanet research.

A Planet Unlike Any in Our Solar System

The newly discovered exoplanet boasts unique characteristics:

Mass & Size: TOI-6038A b has a mass 78.5 times that of Earth and a radius 6.41 times larger than our planet.

Orbit & Star: It orbits a bright, metal-rich F-type star every 5.83 days in a circular orbit. The host star is hotter and more luminous than the Sun.

Binary Star System: Unlike planets in our solar system, TOI-6038A b exists in a binary system, orbiting one star while another star remains at a distance.

Planet Type: It falls in the sub-Saturn category, a type of planet that doesn’t exist in our solar system, offering scientists a rare opportunity to study planetary evolution.

Cutting-Edge Technology Behind the Discovery

The planet was detected using the PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial-velocity Abu-Sky Search) spectrograph, India’s most advanced high-resolution telescope for exoplanetary research. This powerful instrument, which can detect minute movements in stars, played a crucial role in confirming TOI-6038A b’s existence.

A Window Into Planetary Evolution

According to an ISRO document, TOI-6038A b likely possesses a massive rocky core making up about 75% of its total mass, while the rest consists of a hydrogen-helium envelope. This structure makes it a key subject for studying the transition from rocky planets to gas giants.

Because of its brightness, TOI-6038A b presents an ideal opportunity to study its atmosphere and orbital dynamics, offering valuable insights into how exoplanets form and evolve. Scientists also believe that further investigations could uncover hidden companion planets within its system, adding another dimension to our understanding of planetary evolution.

India’s Growing Space Dominance

The discovery of TOI-6038A b highlights India’s rising stature in global space research. The PARAS-2 spectrograph, the highest-resolution stabilized radial velocity spectrograph in Asia, is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in advanced astronomical instrumentation.

With this breakthrough, PRL scientists have pushed the boundaries of space exploration, opening new doors for planetary science. As India continues its rapid advancements in astronomy, TOI-6038A b is set to become a key focus of future space research.