In June 2025, astronomers announced the discovery of TOI-6894 b, a giant exoplanet orbiting the low-mass red dwarf star TOI-6894. This finding, published in *Nature Astronomy*, presents a significant challenge to existing theories of planet formation.
The discovery was made using data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Confirmation came through a combination of space-based observations and ground-based follow-up studies. An international team, led by Dr. Edward Bryant from the University of Warwick, utilized high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic techniques.
TOI-6894 b is a gas giant with a mass approximately 3.6 times that of Jupiter. It orbits its star every 8.9 days, at a distance of 0.0892 astronomical units (AU). The planet's radius is about 1.061 times that of Jupiter.
The planet's proximity to its host star results in extreme temperatures, estimated at 1,260°C (2,300°F). This heat suggests intense thermal conditions in its atmosphere, if present. This offers a unique opportunity to study the atmospheric composition of gas giants under such extreme conditions.
The existence of a giant planet orbiting a low-mass star like TOI-6894 challenges the core accretion model of planet formation. This model suggests gas giants typically form around stars with sufficient mass. The discovery suggests alternative formation mechanisms, like gravitational instability, may also play a role.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is scheduled to observe TOI-6894 b's atmosphere within the next 12 months. These observations aim to detect atmospheric components like methane and ammonia. This will provide further insights into the planet's composition and formation history.
The discovery of TOI-6894 b represents a significant advancement in exoplanet research. It offers new perspectives on the diversity of planetary systems and their formation. Ongoing and future studies are expected to refine our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.