Scientists discover an object 21 times larger than Jupiter in space, but it's neither a star nor a planet

Gaia-5b is a brown dwarf, more massive than a planet. (Image: ESA)

Scientists have found two unusual objects in deep space. One is so big it could fit 21 Jupiters inside but is neither a star nor a planet.

Gaia-5b is a brown dwarf, larger than a planet but too light to be a star. It orbits a low-mass star named Gaia-5, located 134 light-years away. Brown dwarfs do not sustain nuclear fusion, unlike regular stars.

Another discovery, Gaia-4b, is a massive exoplanet, twelve times bigger than Jupiter. It orbits the star Gaia-4, 244 light-years away, completing its orbit in 570 days. Scientists detected it through the gravitational wobble it creates.

Gaia telescope’s vital role

The European Space Agency’s Gaia telescope recorded tiny star movements. These wobbles indicated unseen objects influencing their stars. Gaia has been mapping the galaxy, helping scientists understand planetary formation.

These discoveries challenge existing theories. Scientists hope further observations will reveal more about these mysterious space objects.