Key Takeaways:
- 1. Re-analysis of old Kepler data reveals KOI-134 system actually has two planets with unique orbital dynamics.
- 2. KOI-134 b, previously deemed a false positive, is confirmed to be a warm Jupiter experiencing transit timing variations.
- 3. The discovery of KOI-134 c, a slightly smaller planet than Saturn, reveals a planetary sibling with a tilted orbit and a 2 to 1 resonance with KOI-134 b.
A re-analysis of Kepler data has uncovered that the KOI-134 system hosts two planets with peculiar orbital characteristics. KOI-134 b, initially dismissed as a false positive, is confirmed as a warm Jupiter exhibiting significant transit timing variations due to gravitational interactions with KOI-134 c, a planet slightly smaller than Saturn. The system's unique dynamics include tilted orbital planes, a 15-degree mutual inclination, and a 2 to 1 resonance between the planets, resembling a merry-go-round. This discovery sheds light on the dynamics of planetary systems and challenges conventional understanding.
Insight: The study highlights the importance of revisiting old data for new discoveries and showcases the complexity of planetary systems, offering insights into orbital dynamics rarely observed in other systems.
This article was curated by memoment.jp from the feed source: NASA Breaking News.
Read the original article here: https://science.nasa.gov/universe/exoplanets/discovery-alert-scientists-spot-a-planetary-carousel/
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