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Related: Scientists say this is what the universe looked like just after the Big Bang

Astronomers have observed the first known disappearing planet, a ‘hot Jupiter’ exoplanet named TOI-2535 b, which abruptly vanished from view earlier this year.

The planet was originally discovered in 2019 by Nasa’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and spent years orbiting its star every 8.25 days before disappearing.

Researchers determined that gravitational interaction from an unseen neighbouring planet caused TOI-2535 b to wobble like a spinning top and tilt out of alignment with Earth.

Prior to vanishing entirely, the transits of TOI-2535 b occurred up to six hours off schedule and progressively became shorter and shallower.

Scientists anticipate that TOI-2535 b will tilt back into view within the next 30 to 50 years, whilst the hidden neighbouring planet may become visible even sooner.

In full Astronomers find first ever disappearing planet

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