Scientists Accurately Measure Mass of a Rogue Exoplanet for the First TimeFri 2nd Jan, 2026For the first time in astronomical research, an international team has successfully determined both the precise mass and distance of a solitary exoplanet--one that drifts through space without orbiting a star. This allowed for parallax measurements, enabling scientists to accurately calculate both the distance and the mass of the object responsible for the lensing effect. The ability to determine both mass and distance with high accuracy opens new avenues for studying the properties of other rogue planets throughout our galaxy. As more advanced telescopes and observation networks become operational, astronomers anticipate identifying and characterizing additional rogue planets, further unraveling the complexities of our galaxy's planetary population. By refining techniques for detecting and measuring rogue planets, scientists are poised to answer longstanding questions about how planets form, migrate, and survive in the vast expanse of interstellar space.

Source: The Munich Eye January 02, 2026 19:02 UTC