Jupiter analogues, also known as Jupiter-like planets, are exoplanets that are similar to the planet Jupiter, the fifth and largest planet in the Solar System. They are often defined as planets that has at least 1 Jupiter mass or larger and orbits its host star at a distance 3 to 12 astronomical units (AU), roughly one to a few times that of the systems snow line. The lower limit of mass for Jupiter-like planets is not well defined as it can be as low of 0.8-0.3 Jupiter masses to include planets like Saturn. [1]
While the exact formation of Jupiter-like exoplanets are not known, [2] models of gas giant planet formation predict that Jupiter-like planets should easily form around stars similar to the Sun through core-accretion mechanisms. This therefore should make planets similar to Jupiter a common occurrence in the universe with roughly 6-20% of Sun-like stars having Jupiter-like planets. But this number varies from low rates like 6.9% to higher rates like 25%. [1] [ clarification needed ] It has been found that Jupiter analogues are very rare in mid to late type M-dwarf stars with 0.1-0.3 solar masses. [3] There has been some detections of Jupiter-like planets around red dwarf stars such as TOI-4860b with 0.67 Jupiter masses. [4]
The time it takes for form Jupiter-like planets is typically 3-5 million years but some estimates place the formation of Jupiter-like exoplanets to around 1-2 million years. [5]
Jupiter has played a major role in the evolution of the Solar System, determining much of its structure and the configuration of Solar System bodies. It is likely that Jupiter-like exoplanets play a similar role in their systems. [2]
With their common occurrence and their increased chance of detection, there are many exoplanets discovered that have been classed as Jupiter analogues.[ citation needed ]
Kepler-167e is a exoplanet orbiting the K-type main sequence star Kepler-167. It’s mass and radius is very similar to Jupiter with about 1 Jupiter masses and 0.9 Jupiter radii. [6] Around the young F-type main sequence star 51 Eridani, there is a Jupiter-like planet named 51 Eridani b. This exoplanet has been directly imaged. [7]