The brown dwarf 2M1207 and its planetary companion

This composite image shows the first planet outside of our solar system (right) found orbiting a brown dwarf, dubbed 2M1207 (centre). The fainter planetary companion is at an angular distance of 778 milliarcsec from 2M1207. The exoplanet orbits at a distance from the brown dwarf that is nearly twice as far as Neptune is from the Sun. Originally designated the Giant Planet Candidate Companion (GPCC) by its discoverers, further observations, particularly its motion in the sky relative to 2M1207, ascertained its true nature. The photo is based on three near-infrared exposures (in the H, K and L'' wavebands) with the NACO adaptive-optics facility at the 8.2-m VLT Yepun telescope at the ESO Paranal Observatory.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0515a
Type:Observation
Release date:30 April 2005
Related releases:eso0515
Size:800 x 799 px

About the Object

Name:2M1207
Type:Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Planetary System
Milky Way : Star : Type : Brown Dwarf
Distance:230 light years
Category:Exoplanets

Image Formats

Large JPEG
45.2 KB
Screensize JPEG
71.1 KB

Wallpapers

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64.9 KB
1280x1024
90.2 KB
1600x1200
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Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Infrared
L
Very Large Telescope
NACO
Infrared
K
Very Large Telescope
NACO
Infrared
H
Very Large Telescope
NACO