description HD 74156 b Overview
HD 74156 b is a gas-giant exoplanet orbiting the G-type star HD 74156. It is the inner known planet in a system with two reported giant planets and was detected by observing the host star's radial-velocity changes. The planet follows an eccentric orbit, meaning its distance from the star changes substantially during each revolution. It is historically significant in exoplanet research because its 2001 discovery contributed to the early evidence that planetary systems can differ widely from the Solar System.
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What is HD 74156 b?
HD 74156 b is a gas-giant exoplanet orbiting the G-type star HD 74156. It is the inner known planet in a system with two reported giant planets.
What does it mean that HD 74156 b has an eccentric orbit?
An eccentric orbit is more stretched than a circle, so the planet's distance from HD 74156 changes during each revolution. Its star-facing distance therefore varies over the orbit.
How was HD 74156 b discovered?
Astronomers detected HD 74156 b by measuring changes in the radial velocity of its host star. The planet's gravity causes the star to move slightly back and forth.
Is HD 74156 b the only known planet in its system?
No. HD 74156 b is the inner member of a system with two reported giant planets, making the system useful for studying interactions between massive companions.
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