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GJ 523b: Mega-Earth Exoplanet Confirmed Around a K-Dwarf

22 August 20261 min read
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYGJ 523b: Mega-EarthExoplanet ConfirmedAround a K-Dwarf22 August 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Astronomers verified the existence of an unusually heavy planet beyond the Solar System in August 2026.

Key facts

  • Planet: GJ 523b, nicknamed “mega-Earth”.
  • Mass: about 23 times Earth; radius about 2.55 times Earth.
  • Host: a K-dwarf star about 87 light-years away.
  • Orbital period: roughly 17.75 days.
  • Discovery: first noticed by NASA’s TESS, then confirmed from the ground.

Exam angle

  • Telescope credited with the first detection: TESS (NASA).
  • Star type: K-dwarf.
  • Term: mega-Earth.

Test yourself

1. Which space telescope first detected the mega-Earth GJ 523b?

It was initially detected by NASA's TESS.

2. About how many times Earth's mass is GJ 523b?

The planet is around 23 times Earth's mass.

3. What type of star does GJ 523b orbit?

It orbits a K-dwarf star about 87 light-years away.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 22 August 2026 (20 topics).

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