KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b is a Neptune-like planet orbiting KMT-2021-BLG-2609L in the constellation Ophiuchus. It lies about 24,397 light-years from Earth and was discovered in 2024 using the microlensing method.
Is KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b in the Habitable Zone?
The position of KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b relative to the habitable zone of KMT-2021-BLG-2609L cannot be precisely determined from the available orbital data.
Orbit and Year Length
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b orbits at an average distance of 2.300 AU.
How Was KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b Discovered?
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L 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-2021-BLG-2609L b?
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b is 24,396.5 light-years (7,480.0 parsecs) from Earth. Light arriving here tonight left the planet about 24,397 years ago. A probe traveling at the speed of Voyager 1 — about 17 km/s, the fastest outbound spacecraft ever launched — would need roughly 429,378,400 years to make the journey.
The Host Star: KMT-2021-BLG-2609L
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L
- Mass
- 0.20 M☉
Planetary System
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b is the only planet known to orbit KMT-2021-BLG-2609L so far.
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b — Complete Data
| Mass | 10.17 Earth masses (0.032 Jupiter masses) |
|---|---|
| Orbital distance | 2.300 AU |
| Distance from Earth | 24,396.5 light-years (7,480.0 parsecs) |
| Constellation | Ophiuchus |
| Discovery method | Microlensing |
| Discovery facility | KMTNet |
| Discovery year | 2024 |
Data: NASA Exoplanet Archive, last updated 2024-12-16. Earth Similarity Index: PHL @ UPR Arecibo.
Frequently Asked Questions About KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b
Is KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b habitable?
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b is not known to orbit within the habitable zone of KMT-2021-BLG-2609L, and as a Neptune-like planet it is an unlikely candidate for life as we know it.
How far away is KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b?
KMT-2021-BLG-2609L b is about 24,397 light-years from Earth in the constellation Ophiuchus. A spacecraft traveling as fast as Voyager 1 (about 17 km/s) would need roughly 429,378,400 years to get there.
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