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KMT-2021-BLG-0320L b

Neptune-like Scorpius

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.

31.8×Earth mass
22,668 lyDistance
2022Discovered

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

Mass31.78 Earth masses (0.100 Jupiter masses)
Orbital distance1.540 AU
Distance from Earth22,667.8 light-years (6,950.0 parsecs)
ConstellationScorpius
Discovery methodMicrolensing
Discovery facilityKMTNet
Discovery year2022

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.

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