- Astronomers have observed the first known disappearing planet, a ‘hot Jupiter’ exoplanet named TOI-2535 b, which abruptly vanished from view earlier this year.
- The planet was originally discovered in 2019 by Nasa’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and spent years orbiting its star every 8.25 days before disappearing.
- Researchers determined that gravitational interaction from an unseen neighbouring planet caused TOI-2535 b to wobble like a spinning top and tilt out of alignment with Earth.
- Prior to vanishing entirely, the transits of TOI-2535 b occurred up to six hours off schedule and progressively became shorter and shallower.
- Scientists anticipate that TOI-2535 b will tilt back into view within the next 30 to 50 years, whilst the hidden neighbouring planet may become visible even sooner.
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