A rare exoplanet orbits two stars at an unusual 90-degree angle

A rare exoplanet orbits two stars at a unique 90-degree angle.

: An exoplanet named 2M1510 (AB) b has been found orbiting a pair of brown dwarf stars at a significant 90-degree angle. This polar orbit represents the first documented case of a planet orbiting two stars and is noteworthy for its perpendicular orientation to the stars' orbital plane. The unique system was identified using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope. The discovery is surprising as astronomers previously only theorized such configurations based on perpendicular planet-forming disks.

In recent astronomical research, scientists have uncovered a groundbreaking exoplanetary system where an exoplanet, 2M1510 (AB) b, is orbiting two brown dwarf stars at a perpendicular 90-degree angle, termed as a polar orbit. This discovery, made in 2018, brought new insights into planetary system formations, contrasting with the previously known circumbinary planets that typically share the same orbital plane as their hosting binary stars.

The discovery was made by astronomers utilizing the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT). According to a study published in the journal Science Advances, this is an unprecedented finding, marking the first instance where strong evidence of a polar-oriented planet around a stellar pair has been observed. Amaury Triaud, a co-author and astronomer at the University of Birmingham, expressed the significance, describing the finding as incredible and exciting due to its rare configuration.

Traditionally, the 16 known circumbinary planets discovered to date orbit with a plane alignment to their stars. However, researchers had only hypothesized about the existence of polar orbits based on indirect evidence like planet-forming disks placed perpendicular to the stars. Thomas Baycroft, the lead author from the University of Birmingham, felt excitement over identifying credible evidence for such an arrangement, considering the discovery was not the initial research objective.

In addition to the peculiar orbital path of the exoplanet, the brown dwarf stars themselves, forming an eclipsing binary, add to the rarity, as 2M1510 is just the second pair of eclipsing brown dwarfs known globally. This unique alignment results from the apparent messing of the stars’ orbital dynamics caused by the gravitational interference from the newfound exoplanet.

Further strengthening this study is the confirmation that the observed star system exhibited gravitational anomalies, initially suggesting the presence of another planetary body. As Baycroft elaborated, this unexpected dynamic change aligned perfectly with their hypothesis of a polar orbit, and Amaury Triaud remarked on the serendipity and surprise element of uncovering such a system without intention, enhancing the understanding of what our universe can offer in its immense complexity and possibilities.

Sources: Gizmodo, Science Advances, European Southern Observatory

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