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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
08:18
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
681
Evidence for a large exomoon orbiting Kepler-1625b.
Alex Teachey1, David M Kipping1
1Department of Astronomy, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Science Advances
|October 12, 2018
Summary
Astronomers observed the exoplanet Kepler-1625b with the Hubble Space Telescope, finding evidence for a large exomoon. Further observations are needed to confirm this potential natural satellite outside our solar system.
Area of Science:
- Exoplanetary Science
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Exomoons, natural satellites of planets outside our solar system, remain unconfirmed.
- The Kepler-1625b system is a target for exomoon detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate or refute the presence of a candidate exomoon orbiting Kepler-1625b.
- To analyze Hubble Space Telescope observations for exomoon signatures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope for new observations.
- Analyzing timing deviations and stellar flux decrements.
- Employing self-consistent photodynamical modeling.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the exomoon hypothesis for Kepler-1625b.
- The planet is estimated to be several Jupiter masses.
- The candidate exomoon is comparable in mass and radius to Neptune.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a large exomoon may orbit Kepler-1625b.
- Future monitoring is crucial to confirm the exomoon signal and its repetition.
- This study highlights the potential for discovering exomoons.
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