Earth-sized planet found orbiting a nearby red dwarf LP 466-156 (TOI-4616)

Star system: LP 466-156 | Distance from the Sun: 91.8 light years

TOI-4616 b is an Earth-sized exoplanet that orbits a nearby red dwarf star, just 28 parsecs from Earth. Red dwarfs are small, cool stars, and their low brightness makes it easier to spot planets passing in front of them. This planet was discovered and confirmed using data from NASA’s TESS mission, along with ground-based telescopes and detailed follow-up observations.

The host star, classified as an M4 dwarf, is about 19% the size and mass of our Sun and has a surface temperature of 3,150 Kelvin. TOI-4616 b is slightly larger than Earth, with a radius 1.22 times that of our planet, and completes an orbit every 1.55 days. The planet receives about 40 times more energy from its star than Earth does from the Sun, resulting in an estimated surface temperature of 525 Kelvin. Careful analysis ruled out false positives, confirming the planet’s existence. Because of its proximity, well-measured properties, and extensive observations, TOI-4616 b is an important system for studying rocky planets around red dwarfs and for future atmospheric research.

Key findings
- TOI-4616 b is an Earth-sized planet orbiting a nearby red dwarf star
- The planet’s radius is 1.22 times that of Earth, with a 1.55-day orbit
- The host star is 28.1 parsecs away and has 19% the Sun’s mass and radius
- The planet receives 40 times Earth’s sunlight, with an estimated temperature of 525 K
- Extensive follow-up confirms TOI-4616 b as a validated planet and a benchmark for future studies

Scientific study

TOI-4616 b: a benchmark Earth-sized planet transiting a nearby M4 dwarf (external link)