The free-floating object, called CFBDSIR2149, is likely a gas giant planet four to seven times more massive than Jupiter.<\/p>\n
Astronomers have discovered a potential \"rogue\" alien planet wandering alone just 100 light-years from Earth, suggesting that such starless worlds may be extremely common across the galaxy. <\/p>\n
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The free-floating object, called CFBDSIR2149, is likely a gas giant planet four to seven times more massive thanJupiter, scientists say in a new study unveiled today (Nov. 14). The planet cruises unbound through space relatively close to Earth (in astronomical terms; the Milky Way galaxy is 100,000 light-years wide), perhaps after being booted from its own solar system. <\/p>\n
\"If this little object is a planet that has been ejected from its native system, it conjures up the striking image oforphaned worlds, drifting in the emptiness of space,\" study leader Philippe Delorme, of the Institute of Planetology and Astrophysics of Grenoble in France, said in a statement. <\/p>\n
Orphan planet, or something else? <\/p>\n
Delorme and his team detected CFBDSIR2149's infrared signature using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, then examined the body's properties with the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. [Video: Rogue Planet Has No Parent Star] <\/p>\n
The newfound object appears to be among a stream of young stars called the AB Doradus moving group, the closest such stream to our own solar system. <\/p>\n
Scientists think the AB Doradus stars all formed together between 50 million and 120 million years ago. If CFBDSIR2149 is indeed associated with the group and researchers cite a nearly 90 percent probability then the object is similarly young. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Gigantic orphan planet: Homeless world hurtles through space without star<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The free-floating object, called CFBDSIR2149, is likely a gas giant planet four to seven times more massive than Jupiter. Astronomers have discovered a potential \"rogue\" alien planet wandering alone just 100 light-years from Earth, suggesting that such starless worlds may be extremely common across the galaxy. Subscribe Today to the Monitor Click Here for your FREE 30 DAYS of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly Digital Edition The free-floating object, called CFBDSIR2149, is likely a gas giant planet four to seven times more massive thanJupiter, scientists say in a new study unveiled today (Nov Continue reading