HD 208177

HD 208177 is a G-type main-sequence star located approximately 143 light-years away in the constellation Fornax. It is somewhat smaller and less massive than our Sun, with a spectral type of G5V. HD 208177 is of interest to astronomers due to the confirmed presence of an extrasolar planet orbiting it.

Planetary System:

HD 208177 b, also known as HD 208177 A b (to distinguish it from possible other objects in a wider system), is a Jupiter-like exoplanet discovered orbiting HD 208177. It has a mass of at least 1.4 times that of Jupiter and an orbital period of approximately 397 days. The planet's orbit is relatively close to its star compared to the orbital distance of Jupiter from our Sun. The discovery of this planet was made using the radial velocity method, which detects variations in a star's velocity caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.

Characteristics of the Star:

HD 208177 is classified as a yellow dwarf star, similar to the Sun, but slightly cooler and less luminous. Its age is estimated to be several billion years, making it a relatively mature star. Detailed studies of its stellar properties help astronomers understand the conditions under which planetary systems can form and evolve. The star's relatively quiet nature and stable activity levels are also factors that make the presence of a long-term stable planetary system more plausible.