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Faint new planet is revealed around a young star after a decade in hiding
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 15, 2026
· 3 min read
Astronomers have discovered a faint, elusive planet orbiting a young star after more than a decade of cosmic hide-and-seek.In an unusual twist, two groups working independently detected the cold gas giant a few days apart late last year using different telescopes. It's the dimmest planet ever dir...
Key takeaway "It was very much playing hide-and-seek for 11 years," said the European Southern Observatory's Markus Bonse, co-leader of the first team.
Why this matters in The Waco
The discovery of a faint new planet around the young star Beta Pictoris may seem like a distant find, but its implications can be felt in the Waco community. Baylor University, located in the heart of Waco, has a strong astronomy program that can potentially benefit from this breakthrough. The university's students and faculty may be inspired by the discovery and contribute to future research on the formation of planetary systems. Additionally, the use of advanced telescopes like the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and NASA's Webb Space Telescope can spark interest in STEM education among local students, potentially leading to a new generation of astronomers and scientists in McLennan County. As the community continues to grow and develop, it's essential to recognize the value of investing in local educational institutions and promoting scientific inquiry, which can have a lasting impact on the region's intellectual and economic landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Astronomers have discovered a faint, elusive planet orbiting a young star after more than a decade of cosmic hide-and-seek.In an unusual twist, two groups working independently detected the cold gas giant a few days apart late last year using different telescopes. It's the dimmest planet ever dir...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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