description 2M1207 b Overview
2M1207b is a gas giant exoplanet that made astronomical history in 2004 as the first extrasolar planet to be directly imaged. The photograph was captured by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. It orbits a young brown dwarf star known as 2M1207, located roughly 170 light-years away in the constellation Hydra. Because of its massive size and wide orbital distance, the planetary object stands out clearly from the light of its host star, allowing for direct observation.
help 2M1207 b FAQ
Was 2M1207 b really the first directly photographed exoplanet?
It is widely recognized as the first exoplanet to be directly imaged. ESO's Very Large Telescope recorded it in 2004, and follow-up observations confirmed that it shared the motion of its host in 2005.
Does 2M1207 b orbit a normal star?
No. It orbits 2M1207, a young brown dwarf that is too low in mass to sustain normal hydrogen fusion like the Sun.
Why could astronomers photograph 2M1207 b directly?
The planet is young, hot, and bright in infrared light, while its brown-dwarf host is relatively faint. It is also separated from the host by tens of astronomical units, making the two easier to resolve.
How massive is 2M1207 b?
Model-based estimates generally place it at several times Jupiter's mass, with ESO commonly describing it as roughly five Jupiter masses. Its exact mass depends on uncertain models of very young planetary objects.
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