KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b is a Neptune-like planet orbiting KMT-2021-BLG-0320L in the constellation Scorpius. It lies about 22,668 light-years from Earth and was discovered in 2022 using the microlensing method.
Is KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b in the Habitable Zone?
The position of KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b relative to the habitable zone of KMT-2021-BLG-0320L cannot be precisely determined from the available orbital data.
Orbit and Year Length
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b orbits at an average distance of 1.540 AU.
How Was KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b Discovered?
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b was discovered in 2022 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-2021-BLG-0320L b?
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b is 22,667.8 light-years (6,950.0 parsecs) from Earth. Light arriving here tonight left the planet about 22,668 years ago. A probe traveling at the speed of Voyager 1 — about 17 km/s, the fastest outbound spacecraft ever launched — would need roughly 398,953,280 years to make the journey.
The Host Star: KMT-2021-BLG-0320L
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L
- Mass
- 0.32 M☉
Planetary System
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b is the only planet known to orbit KMT-2021-BLG-0320L so far.
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b — Complete Data
| Mass | 31.78 Earth masses (0.100 Jupiter masses) |
|---|---|
| Orbital distance | 1.540 AU |
| Distance from Earth | 22,667.8 light-years (6,950.0 parsecs) |
| Constellation | Scorpius |
| Discovery method | Microlensing |
| Discovery facility | KMTNet |
| Discovery year | 2022 |
Data: NASA Exoplanet Archive, last updated 2022-10-31. Earth Similarity Index: PHL @ UPR Arecibo.
Frequently Asked Questions About KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b
Is KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b habitable?
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b is not known to orbit within the habitable zone of KMT-2021-BLG-0320L, and as a Neptune-like planet it is an unlikely candidate for life as we know it.
How far away is KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b?
KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b is about 22,668 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius. A spacecraft traveling as fast as Voyager 1 (about 17 km/s) would need roughly 398,953,280 years to get there.