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This bright, yellow dwarf star is one of the first systems discovered to have a planet. The year was 1995. If scientists are right about the companion to HD 114762 being a brown dwarf (1989), then the planet for 51 Pegasi becomes the first planet to be discovered outside the Solar System. There is some disagreement about the classification of 51 Pegasi. Various sources report it as G4 V, G2 V+, or G2 IV. More recent data suggests that 51 Peg has begun to enter old age, leaving the main sequence behind. So we accept the spectral type of G2 IV. This star's "red-hot Jupiter" is close enough to its sun, and the orbit circular enough not to interfere with the past formation of an Earth-like world.
Next Close-up: Delta Pavonis — a rich and very ancient sun Also, check out the list of past Stellar Close-ups. |