description Kappa Andromedae b Overview
Kappa Andromedae b is a directly imaged substellar companion to Kappa Andromedae, a young, massive star. Announced in 2012, the companion follows a wide orbit and has a mass near the conventional boundary used to distinguish giant planets from brown dwarfs. Its classification depends partly on uncertain age and mass estimates, so it is studied both as a possible super-Jupiter and as a low-mass brown dwarf.
help Kappa Andromedae b FAQ
Was Kappa Andromedae b directly imaged?
Yes, Kappa Andromedae b was identified through direct imaging rather than a transit. It is a wide-orbit substellar companion to the young, massive star Kappa Andromedae.
Is Kappa Andromedae b a planet or a brown dwarf?
Its estimated mass lies near the conventional boundary between giant planets and brown dwarfs. The classification depends partly on which definition is used, including whether formation history or mass is emphasized.
Why is Kappa Andromedae b easier to image than many exoplanets?
It follows a wide orbit around a young star, placing it far enough from the star for specialized instruments to separate their light. The companion was announced in 2012.
What makes Kappa Andromedae b unusual?
It is a directly imaged substellar companion with a mass near the planet-brown-dwarf boundary. Its host star is young and massive, giving astronomers a useful system for studying giant companion formation.
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