Astronomers Confirm Youngest Known Planet, Less Than a Million Years Old
NASA-funded data reveal a newborn world still forming within its natal disk of dust and gas, challenging existing planet-formation models.
Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a planet less than a million years old, making it the youngest known world discovered to date, according to NASA.
The planet, named Elias 2-24 b, was identified using data from NASA-funded archives, the space agency said. It remains embedded within its natal disk, the swirling collection of dust and gas from which planets and stars are formed.
According to NASA, the discovery challenges current understanding of how planets form. Researchers said existing planet-formation models already struggled to explain the previous record holders for the youngest known planets, suggesting that Elias 2-24 b may require scientists to revisit theories about how quickly planets can form and grow.
NASA did not provide additional details in the announcement regarding the planet's exact age, size, host star, or the specific archival data used to confirm the discovery. The agency described the finding as part of ongoing efforts to understand early planetary formation using observational data.
NASA has not indicated when or where further findings related to Elias 2-24 b might be published.
Sources
- Newfound ‘Baby’ Planet Smashes Record for Youngest Known World — NASA Breaking News
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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