Kepler-46b
First planet discovered in the Kepler-46 system.
Kepler-46b is a gas giant exoplanet orbiting the star Kepler-46 in the constellation Lyra. It was the first planet discovered in its system and is notable for being slightly less massive than Jupiter.
- Mass
- slightly less than that of Jupiter
- Type
- gas giant
- Host star
- Kepler-46
- Constellation
- Lyra
Lore & Background
Kepler-46b was discovered through detailed analysis of data from the Kepler space observatory. It is a gas giant with a mass slightly less than that of Jupiter. The planet's orbital plane has been found to be slowly changing, likely under the gravitational influence of an additional giant planet in the system. The planet does not transit its host star, so its size is not directly measurable, though it is probably similar in size to its sibling planet Kepler-46c.
Reader's Guide
Kepler-46b holds significance as the first planet discovered in its system and as a key object in demonstrating the transit timing variation method for detecting exoplanets. The gravitational pull of Kepler-46c on Kepler-46b caused disruptions in the regularity of its transits, allowing the detection of Kepler-46c even though that planet does not itself transit the host star. This method is analogous to the way Neptune was discovered by its gravitational influence on Uranus. The confirmation of Kepler-46c with a 99% confidence level showed that transit timing variations can be used to detect future extrasolar planets and possibly extrasolar moons. Additionally, the slow change in Kepler-46b's orbital plane, attributed to the influence of another giant planet, provides further insight into the dynamical interactions within multi-planet systems.
Did You Know?
- Kepler-46b was the first planet discovered in the Kepler-46 system.
- Its mass is slightly less than that of Jupiter.
- The planet's orbital plane is slowly changing, likely due to the gravitational influence of another giant planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kepler-46b?
Kepler-46b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits the star Kepler-46, located in the constellation Lyra. It holds the distinction of being the first world ever identified in that planetary system.
How does Kepler-46b's mass compare to Jupiter's?
It comes in just under Jupiter's weight, making it a slightly lighter gas giant. That near-Jovian figure is one of the most frequently cited traits among exoplanet enthusiasts.
Where in the sky can you find Kepler-46b?
It circles its host star within the boundaries of the constellation Lyra. Fans of the night sky simply need to look toward Lyra to locate the region where this world makes its transit.
Why is Kepler-46b important to exoplanet fans and researchers?
As the first planet ever detected around Kepler-46, it opened the door to studying that system. Its slightly sub-Jovian mass also gives the community a handy benchmark for comparing other gas giants.
What type of planet is Kepler-46b?
It is classified as a gas giant, meaning it has no solid surface to speak of. Its discovery came through the transit method, consistent with the Kepler mission's approach to cataloging exoplanets.
More in Transiting Exoplanets, Part 4 1-24
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