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KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b

Neptune-like Sagittarius

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b is a Neptune-like planet orbiting KMT-2021-BLG-1253L in the constellation Sagittarius. It lies about 21,657 light-years from Earth and was discovered in 2022 using the microlensing method.

19.1×Earth mass
21,657 lyDistance
2022Discovered

Is KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b in the Habitable Zone?

The position of KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b relative to the habitable zone of KMT-2021-BLG-1253L cannot be precisely determined from the available orbital data.

Orbit and Year Length

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b orbits at an average distance of 1.520 AU.

How Was KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b Discovered?

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L 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-1253L b?

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b is 21,656.8 light-years (6,640.0 parsecs) from Earth. Light arriving here tonight left the planet about 21,657 years ago. A probe traveling at the speed of Voyager 1 — about 17 km/s, the fastest outbound spacecraft ever launched — would need roughly 381,159,680 years to make the journey.

The Host Star: KMT-2021-BLG-1253L

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L

Mass
0.24 M☉

Planetary System

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b is the only planet known to orbit KMT-2021-BLG-1253L so far.

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b — Complete Data

Mass19.05 Earth masses (0.060 Jupiter masses)
Orbital distance1.520 AU
Distance from Earth21,656.8 light-years (6,640.0 parsecs)
ConstellationSagittarius
Discovery methodMicrolensing
Discovery facilityKMTNet
Discovery year2022

Data: NASA Exoplanet Archive, last updated 2023-02-17. Earth Similarity Index: PHL @ UPR Arecibo.

Frequently Asked Questions About KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b

Is KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b habitable?

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b is not known to orbit within the habitable zone of KMT-2021-BLG-1253L, and as a Neptune-like planet it is an unlikely candidate for life as we know it.

How far away is KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b?

KMT-2021-BLG-1253L b is about 21,657 light-years from Earth in the constellation Sagittarius. A spacecraft traveling as fast as Voyager 1 (about 17 km/s) would need roughly 381,159,680 years to get there.

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