HD 166006

HD 166006 is a G-type main-sequence star located approximately 126 light-years away in the constellation Hercules. It is similar in size and temperature to our Sun, but is slightly older.

Stellar Characteristics:

HD 166006 is classified as a G3V star, where "G" indicates its surface temperature is similar to the Sun (around 5,300 to 6,000 Kelvin), "3" indicates it’s slightly cooler than the Sun, and "V" indicates that it is a main-sequence star, fusing hydrogen into helium in its core. Its mass and radius are close to those of the Sun. Spectroscopic analysis indicates its metallicity, or the abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, is also comparable to that of the Sun.

Observational History:

HD 166006 has been cataloged in various star catalogues, including the Henry Draper Catalogue (HD). Its designation allows astronomers to easily identify and study the star based on its position and other observed properties. It has been the subject of various studies aimed at understanding stellar evolution, stellar activity, and searching for exoplanets.

Planetary System:

In 2012, a gas giant exoplanet, HD 166006 b, was discovered orbiting the star using the radial velocity method. This method detects the wobble in a star's motion caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet. The planet has a minimum mass of approximately 2.6 times that of Jupiter and orbits the star at a distance of about 2.7 astronomical units (AU) with a period of roughly 1050 days.

Significance:

HD 166006 is of interest to astronomers because it is a Sun-like star with a known exoplanet. Studying this system helps to understand the formation and evolution of planetary systems, particularly gas giants at relatively large orbital distances. The existence of HD 166006 b provides valuable data for comparison with models of planet formation and migration.