NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory spots young exoplanet rapidly shrinking in rare cosmic meltdown 330 light-years away
In a distant corner of the universe, astronomers have identified a dramatic planetary event unfolding in real time. A
young exoplanet
, named TOI 1227 b, located about 330 light-years from Earth, is undergoing rapid atmospheric loss. Despite being just 8 million years old—a cosmic infant compared to Earth's 4.5 billion years—this gas planet is already showing signs of decay. Caught in a dangerously close orbit around a volatile red dwarf star,
TOI 1227 b
is being bombarded by powerful X-ray radiation that is stripping away its massive atmosphere. This rare glimpse into planetary evolution offers critical insights into the formation and fate of young exoplanets.
NASA observes young exoplanet TOI 1227 b under severe atmospheric loss
TOI 1227 b is not just young—it's also in a perilous position. Unlike Earth, which orbits the Sun at a safe distance, this exoplanet is located exceptionally close to its parent star, known as TOI 1227. Although the red dwarf is relatively small and cool compared to the Sun, it emits intense X-ray radiation, making it a hazardous environment for any planet caught nearby. This intense energy is bombarding TOI 1227 b relentlessly, causing it to shed its thick, gaseous shell at an alarming rate.
Using NASA's
Chandra X-ray Observatory
, astronomers discovered that the host star's radiation is striking the planet with devastating effect. According to their findings, the planet is losing an atmosphere equivalent to Earth's every 200 years. Initially, TOI 1227 b had a size comparable to Jupiter, but scientists believe its mass is closer to Neptune's, suggesting the planet is inflated due to internal heat and external radiation. However, this bloated size is not expected to last—its atmosphere is evaporating quickly.
No signs of habitability found on young exoplanet TOI 1227 b
Researchers have ruled out the possibility of life or habitability on TOI 1227 b. The planet's proximity to the red dwarf means surface temperatures are extremely high, and water cannot exist in any stable form. With radiation constantly bombarding the planet, any life-supporting conditions are quickly destroyed. Over time, the exoplanet could shrink to just one-tenth of its original size, and may lose as much as two Earth masses of gas within the next billion years.
To determine TOI 1227 b's age, scientists used stellar motion data, comparing the movement of the star system to known stellar age groups. They also examined the brightness and temperature profiles of the star to estimate its developmental stage. Among all exoplanets known to be under 50 million years old, TOI 1227 b stands out. It has the longest orbital year and is tethered to one of the smallest stars ever associated with a gas giant.
NASA's Chandra mission helps unveil early planetary evolution in TOI 1227 b
The discovery was led by Attila Varga of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), with contributions from scientists in Germany and the United States. Their research, which sheds new light on how young planets evolve and erode, is set to be published in The Astrophysical Journal. The Chandra X-ray Observatory, a flagship NASA mission operated by the Marshall Space Flight Center and managed in Massachusetts, played a crucial role in these observations.
TOI 1227 b provides scientists with a rare opportunity to witness a planet in its early evolutionary stages, particularly one undergoing atmospheric loss due to stellar radiation. Understanding such transformations helps refine models of planetary formation, migration, and survival, especially in high-radiation environments near red dwarfs. As astronomers continue to track the evaporation of TOI 1227 b, this case could unlock answers to how common such scenarios are across the Milky Way.
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