Astronomers confirm planetary discovery via reanalysed ground telescope data

Researchers have requested follow-up observations to validate the finding, published 5 October 2026.

Senior Space Correspondent

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Astronomers confirm new planet via old data AI illustrationhow this picture was made

A research team has confirmed a planetary discovery after reanalysing coronagraph data from two major ground observatories. ^[1] The work used archival data from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. Launched by NASA this August, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope carries a high performance coronagraph expected to enable detection of many more young planets. ^[2] The team has formally requested additional follow-up observations from the Swift Observatory and SALT telescope. ^[3]

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What this stands on

The research team reanalyzed coronagraph data from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and data from the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii to confirm the discovery. · WIRED
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launched by NASA in August, is equipped with a powerful coronagraph expected to help detect more young planets. · WIRED
The research team has requested additional follow-up observations from the Swift Observatory and SALT telescope · The Astronomer's Telegram

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