Currently, the largest known planet in the Milky Way is ROXs 42Bb.
While we've identified many exoplanets (planets outside our solar system), determining their exact size and mass can be challenging due to the vast distances involved. ROXs 42Bb stands out because it is relatively young and still radiating heat from its formation, making it easier to observe.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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ROXs 42Bb: This exoplanet is estimated to be about 9 times the mass of Jupiter. Its sheer size qualifies it as the current record holder. It orbits a star approximately 500 light-years away in the constellation Ophiuchus.
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Challenges in determining planetary size: Measuring the precise size of exoplanets involves complex techniques like transit photometry (measuring the dimming of a star's light as a planet passes in front of it) and radial velocity measurements (detecting the wobble in a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet). These methods have inherent limitations, and uncertainties can exist.
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Ongoing Research: Astronomers are constantly discovering new exoplanets and refining our understanding of their properties. It's entirely possible that a larger planet will be discovered in the future. Advanced telescopes and observational techniques will play a crucial role in these discoveries.
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Comparison with Jupiter: As a reference point, Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has a mass more than 300 times that of Earth and a diameter approximately eleven times that of Earth's. ROXs 42Bb is significantly more massive than Jupiter.
In conclusion, based on current data, ROXs 42Bb is considered the biggest planet discovered within the Milky Way galaxy. However, space exploration is ongoing, and new discoveries may change this information in the future.
