HAT-P-26

HAT-P-26 is a yellow dwarf star located approximately 437 light-years away in the constellation Virgo. It is notable for hosting a confirmed exoplanet, HAT-P-26b.

Stellar Characteristics:

HAT-P-26 is a G-type main-sequence star, similar in size and temperature to our Sun. Its mass is slightly less than the Sun's, and it is somewhat cooler. It has an apparent magnitude of approximately 11.78, making it too faint to be seen with the naked eye.

Planetary System:

The star is orbited by the exoplanet HAT-P-26b, a Neptune-sized planet discovered via the transit method.

HAT-P-26b:

HAT-P-26b is a gas giant exoplanet with a mass and radius similar to Neptune. It orbits its host star at a distance of approximately 0.0479 astronomical units (AU), resulting in a very short orbital period of about 4.23 days. This close proximity to its star makes it a hot Neptune, with an estimated equilibrium temperature of around 1000 Kelvin.

Significance:

HAT-P-26b is of particular interest to astronomers because its relatively clear atmosphere allows for detailed spectroscopic studies. Observations have revealed the presence of water vapor in its atmosphere, and the planet's atmospheric composition is considered relatively pristine, meaning it has not been significantly contaminated by heavier elements from its host star. This makes HAT-P-26b a valuable target for understanding the formation and evolution of Neptune-sized exoplanets.

Discovery:

HAT-P-26 and its planet were discovered by the Hungarian Automated Telescope Network (HATNet) project, a network of robotic telescopes searching for transiting exoplanets.