Discovery of Epsilon Indi Ab: A Super-Jupiter Exoplanet

An international study, including researchers from IIT Kanpur, has detected a 'super-Jupiter' exoplanet, Epsilon Indi Ab, approximately 12 light years away. It is one of the coldest exoplanets imaged. The planet, orbiting the star Epsilon Indi A, shows unusual atmospheric characteristics. Its discovery raises intriguing questions about its formation and evolution.

A nearby 'super-Jupiter' exoplanet approximately 12 light years from Earth has been detected and could be one of the coldest ever found, according to an international study including researchers from IIT Kanpur.

The planet, Epsilon Indi Ab, has an estimated temperature of two degrees Celsius, making it colder than any other imaged exoplanet. The closest exoplanet is Proxima Centauri b, located about four light years from Earth, according to NASA.

Images of Epsilon Indi Ab were captured using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, revealing its unique atmospheric properties and higher-than-expected metal content. These findings open up new questions about its formation and evolution, enhancing our understanding of planetary systems beyond our solar system.

(With inputs from agencies.)