A team of astronomers has identified a new super-Earth exoplanet, designated TOI-1846 b, located approximately 154 light-years from Earth. This discovery was made using data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and confirmed through ground-based observations, including photometry, high-resolution imaging, and spectroscopy.
TOI-1846 b is about 1.79 times the radius of Earth and has a mass approximately 4.4 times greater. It completes an orbit around its host star every 3.93 days, indicating a close proximity to the star. The equilibrium temperature of the planet is estimated to be around 295°C (568.1 K), suggesting a hot environment.
The host star, TOI-1846, is a red dwarf with a mass about 0.42 times that of the Sun and a surface temperature of approximately 3,568 K. It is estimated to be 7.2 billion years old. Red dwarfs are known for their longevity and stability, making them favorable targets for exoplanet research.
Based on the planet's size and density, scientists hypothesize that TOI-1846 b may be water-rich. However, further observations, particularly radial velocity measurements, are needed to confirm its composition and to study its atmosphere in more detail. The James Webb Space Telescope is expected to provide additional insights into the planet's atmospheric properties in the future.
This discovery adds to the growing catalog of super-Earths and contributes to our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, especially in systems with red dwarf stars.