Astronomers using the W.M. Keck Observatory atop Mauna Kea and the Kepler Space Telescope say they have discovered the youngest exoplanet yet.
Astronomers using the W.M. Keck Observatory atop Mauna Kea and the Kepler Space Telescope say they have discovered the youngest exoplanet yet.
The planet, dubbed K2-33b, is estimated to be between five and 10 million years old, a cosmic infant.
In comparison, the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old.
The planet, about 50 percent larger than Neptune, was detected through the periodic dimming of light caused by it passing in front of its star.
Scientists say that solar system is young with disks of gas and dust still remaining, which helped determine the planet’s age. These disks, which dissipate after a few million years, form planets.
About 2,000 exoplanets have been detected so far.