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Exoplanet GJ 486 b (Artist Concept)

This artist concept represents the rocky exoplanet GJ 486 b, which orbits a red dwarf star that is only 26 light-years away in the constellation Virgo. By observing GJ 486 b transit in front of its star, astronomers sought signs of an atmosphere. They detected hints of water vapor. However, they caution that while this might be a sign of a planetary atmosphere, the water could be on the star itself – specifically, in cool starspots – and not from the planet at all.
GJ 486 b is about 30% larger than the Earth and weighs three times as much. It orbits its star closely in just under 1.5 days.
About the Object
- R.A. PositionR.A. PositionRight ascension – analogous to longitude – is one component of an object's position.12:47:57.0
- Dec. PositionDec. PositionDeclination – analogous to latitude – is one component of an object's position.+09:45:05
- ConstellationConstellationOne of 88 recognized regions of the celestial sphere in which the object appears.Virgo
- DistanceDistanceThe physical distance from Earth to the astronomical object. Distances within our solar system are usually measured in Astronomical Units (AU). Distances between stars are usually measured in light-years. Interstellar distances can also be measured in parsecs.26 light-years
- Object NameObject NameA name or catalog number that astronomers use to identify an astronomical object.GJ 486 b
- Object DescriptionObject DescriptionThe type of astronomical object.Exoplanet
- Release DateMay 1, 2023
- Science ReleaseWebb Finds Water Vapor, But From a Rocky Planet or Its Star?
- CreditIllustration: NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI), Leah Hustak (STScI)
Related Images & Videos

Exoplanet GJ 486 b (Transmission Spectrum)
This graphic shows the transmission spectrum obtained by Webb observations of rocky exoplanet GJ 486 b. The science team’s analysis shows hints of water vapor; however, computer models show that the signal could be from a water-rich planetary atmosphere (indicated by the blue...
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Laura Betz
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
laura.e.betz@nasa.gov
NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI), Leah Hustak (STScI)