Astronomers Discover Youngest Planet Ever Observed

WHO:

Phys.org - Astronomers confirmed the discovery of the planet.

NASA - The discovery utilized data from NASA-funded archives.

WHAT:

Phys.org - The planet is called Elias 2-24 b and is confirmed to be less than a million years old.

NASA - Elias 2-24 b is described as the youngest known planet.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The planet is still located within its natal disk of dust and gas.

WHEN:

Phys.org - The planet is less than a million years old, but no specific date is provided.

WHY:

NASA - The discovery challenges existing planet-formation models, which struggled to explain previous record holders for the youngest known planets.

HOW:

Phys.org - The confirmation of the planet's age was achieved using data from archives.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 21:03 UTC)

Astronomers have confirmed the discovery of a new planet named Elias 2-24 b, which is noted to be the youngest known planet at less than a million years old. This exciting finding, made possible through data from NASA-funded archives, challenges existing models of planet formation that have struggled to account for previous record holders. Elias 2-24 b is still situated within its natal disk of dust and gas, providing a unique glimpse into the early stages of planetary development.