| Observation data Epoch J2000.0 Equinox J2000.0 (ICRS) |
|
|---|---|
| Constellation | Scorpius |
| Right ascension | 17h 38m 59.526s |
| Declination | -43° 08′ 43.85″ |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | +7.24 |
| Distance | 171.93 ly (52.71 pc) |
| Spectral type | G5V |
| Other designations | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | data |
HD 159868 is a yellow dwarf star approximately 172 light-years away in the constellation of Scorpius. The star is thought to be 3.05 times more luminous than the Sun, yet the metallicity is identical to the Sun. As of 2007, an extrasolar planet has been confirmed to be orbiting the star.[1]
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In 2007, an extrasolar planet was announced by astronomer Simon J. O'Toole, to be orbiting the star.[1] The planet (designated HD 159868 b) is likely to be a gas giant. The orbit is extremely eccentric at the average distance of 2 astronomical units (AU), ranging as close as 0.62 AU to as far as 3.38 AU. During its orbital period, the planet spends most of its time in the habitable zone of its star.
| Companion (in order from star) |
Mass | Semimajor axis (AU) |
Orbital period (days) |
Eccentricity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b | >1.7 ± 0.3 MJ | 2 ± 0.3 | 986 ± 9 | 0.69 ± 0.02 |