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Massive Starspot Discovered on TOI-3884 Influences Exoplanet Orbit

7/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astrophysicists from Harvard and MIT have unveiled a colossal starspot on the M-dwarf star TOI-3884, which spans an astonishing 7% of its surface. This remarkable discovery arose from analyzing the peculiar transit of the Neptune-like exoplanet TOI-3884 b. The starspot, enduring for over seven years, likely plays a crucial role in shaping the planet's tilted orbit.

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Story summary

Astrophysicists from Harvard and MIT have unveiled a colossal starspot on the M-dwarf star TOI-3884, which spans an astonishing 7% of its surface. This remarkable discovery arose from analyzing the peculiar transit of the Neptune-like exoplanet TOI-3884 b. The starspot, enduring for over seven years, likely plays a crucial role in shaping the planet's tilted orbit.