Exoplanets

51-Pegasi-B

A planet orbiting another star

51-Pegasi-B

About 51-Pegasi-B

An exoplanet is a planet outside our Solar System that orbits a star. Thousands have been discovered, with many more waiting to be found.

Scientific Facts

Over 5,500 exoplanets have been confirmed. They range from gas giants larger than Jupiter to rocky worlds smaller than Earth. Kepler-186f is the first Earth-sized exoplanet found in a habitable zone.

Interesting Facts

Proxima Centauri b is the closest exoplanet at 4.2 light-years. The TRAPPIST-1 system has 7 Earth-sized planets. Hot Jupiters are gas giants very close to their stars.

Fun Facts

The first exoplanet discovered around a Sun-like star was 51 Pegasi b in 1995. Some exoplanets have rain made of glass or diamonds.

Discovery

First confirmed exoplanet: 1992 (around pulsar). First around Sun-like star: 51 Pegasi b in 1995.

Quick Facts

Category Exoplanets
Distance from Earth Varies
Size Varies widely
Temperature Varies widely