- The planet circles the system at an angle of 90 degrees to the orbit plane of two stars, which makes it unique compared to previously discovered planets in double systems
- The exoplanet has been observed thanks to the VLT telescope during orbital brown dwarfs that form a eclipse system
- The discovery was accidental and shows a variety of phenomena in space, emphasizing the fascinating face of our universe
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The planets orbiting the arrangement of two stars around have already been discovered in the past. Fans of “Star Wars” can mention, for example, the Tatooine planet. However, such planets usually circulate on almost the same plane as the stars encircling themselves.
Earlier, there were premises suggesting that planets could also exist on perpendicular or polar orbit, around double stars systems. Theoretically, such orbits are stable, and observations have shown the presence of protoplanet discs with polar configuration around the pairs of stars. However, there was a lack of clear evidence for the existence of such planetary systems.
Now, with the help of European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT), astronomers have discovered just such a system.
– I am particularly excited about participating in finding credible evidence for such a configuration – says one of the authors of the study, Thomas Baycroft of the University of Birmingham.
The exoplanet marked with 2m1510 (AB) B circulate around a pair of young brown dwarfs – objects larger than gas planets, but too small to become full stars. Two brown dwarfs form such an eclipse that we observe their periodic eclipse from the ground. This is only the second known case of eclipse brown dwarfs.
At the same time, 2m1510 (AB) B is the first discovered exoplanet in orbit perpendicular to the orbit plane of two stars.
The discovery was accidental
“A planet encircling not only a double system, but a double system of two brown dwarfs, and in the polar orbit, it is something unusual and very exciting” – emphasizes Prof. Amaura Triaud, one of the authors of the work published in the letter” Science Advans “.
Astronomers discovered an unusual planet during the examination of the orbital and physical parameters of two brown dwarfs. This pair of stars, known as 2M1510, was first detected in 2018 by prof. Triauda and his colleagues. Later, the researchers observed the unusual orbital behavior of the stars, which was caused by the presence of the exopathy.
A closer analysis showed that the only scenario in accordance with observations is the existence of a planet circulating around this system at an angle of 90 degrees.
– The discovery was accidental, in the sense that our observations were not intended to look for such a planet or check orbital configuration. That is why this is a big surprise for us – says prof. Triaud.
– In general, in my opinion, this shows us, astronomers, but also to all interested parties, how unusual phenomena hides the fascinating universe in which we live – he adds.
