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Conceptual illustration of a young giant planet within a disk of gas and dust around its host star.
Science & Space

Is Elias 2-24 b the youngest known planet?

Published

Verdict
True
Verification confidenceMedium

Explanation

Yes. In September 2026, NASA and the W. M. Keck Observatory reported Elias 2-24 b as the youngest confirmed exoplanet known. NASA describes it as less than a million years old.

The confirmation combined observations from multiple telescopes, including archival Keck data. The planet lies within a gap in its host star's disk and is still gathering material, making it useful for studying early planetary growth.

The qualifier known matters. Astronomers have not surveyed every planet, and very young worlds are difficult to detect. The record concerns discoveries so far; it does not establish that Elias 2-24 b is the youngest planet anywhere in the Universe.

Key takeaway

Elias 2-24 b holds a reported discovery record. Youngest known does not mean youngest in existence.

Evidence

NASA reports the youngest known planet

NASA

Supports the claim

NASA's September 16 announcement identifies Elias 2-24 b as the youngest known planet and describes its age as less than a million years.

Based on: NASA

Keck announces confirmation of the young exoplanet

W. M. Keck Observatory

Supports the claim

Keck reports the youngest exoplanet detected so far, confirmed using observations from Keck, ALMA and the Very Large Telescope.

Based on: W. M. Keck Observatory

Detection limits restrict the scope of the record

NASA

Provides context

NASA explains that young planets can be difficult to detect and that many early stages of planetary development remain beyond current observing capabilities.

Based on: NASA

Sources

NASA

Newfound ‘Baby’ Planet Smashes Record for Youngest Known World

Sep 16, 2026
W. M. Keck Observatory

Youngest Exoplanet Yet Discovered Found Hiding in Keck Observatory Data

Sep 16, 2026

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