KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b is a cold gas giant orbiting KMT-2016-BLG-2321L in the constellation Ophiuchus. It lies about 11,676 light-years from Earth and was discovered in 2024 using the microlensing method.
Is KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b in the Habitable Zone?
The position of KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b relative to the habitable zone of KMT-2016-BLG-2321L cannot be precisely determined from the available orbital data.
Orbit and Year Length
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b orbits at an average distance of 3.580 AU.
How Was KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b Discovered?
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b was discovered in 2024 using the microlensing method, with observations from KMTNet.
Gravitational microlensing detects a planet when its host star passes in front of a more distant background star, and the planet's gravity adds a brief, telltale spike to the magnified starlight. It can find planets thousands of light-years away.
How Far Away Is KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b?
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b is 11,676.4 light-years (3,580.0 parsecs) from Earth. Light arriving here tonight left the planet about 11,676 years ago. A probe traveling at the speed of Voyager 1 — about 17 km/s, the fastest outbound spacecraft ever launched — would need roughly 205,504,640 years to make the journey.
The Host Star: KMT-2016-BLG-2321L
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L
- Mass
- 0.73 M☉
Planetary System
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b is the only planet known to orbit KMT-2016-BLG-2321L so far.
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b — Complete Data
| Mass | 301.94 Earth masses (0.950 Jupiter masses) |
|---|---|
| Orbital distance | 3.580 AU |
| Distance from Earth | 11,676.4 light-years (3,580.0 parsecs) |
| Constellation | Ophiuchus |
| Discovery method | Microlensing |
| Discovery facility | KMTNet |
| Discovery year | 2024 |
Data: NASA Exoplanet Archive, last updated 2024-10-11. Earth Similarity Index: PHL @ UPR Arecibo.
Frequently Asked Questions About KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b
Is KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b habitable?
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b is not known to orbit within the habitable zone of KMT-2016-BLG-2321L, and as a cold gas giant it is an unlikely candidate for life as we know it.
How far away is KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b?
KMT-2016-BLG-2321L b is about 11,676 light-years from Earth in the constellation Ophiuchus. A spacecraft traveling as fast as Voyager 1 (about 17 km/s) would need roughly 205,504,640 years to get there.
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