42 Draconis b

42 Draconis b (abbreviated 42 Dra b), formally named Orbitar /ˈɔːrbɪtɑːr/, is a candidate extrasolar planet located approximately 315 light years from Earth in the constellation of Draco. It orbits the 5th magnitude K-type giant star 42 Draconis with a period of 479 days and 38% orbital eccentricity.[1] The planet was discovered using the radial velocity method on March 20, 2009.[1]

Following its discovery the planet was designated 42 Draconis b. In July 2014 the International Astronomical Union launched NameExoWorlds, a process for giving proper names to certain exoplanets and their host stars.[2] The process involved public nomination and voting for the new names.[3] In December 2015, the IAU announced the winning name was Orbitar for this planet.[4] The winning name was submitted by the Brevard Astronomical Society of Brevard County, Florida, United States.[5] Orbitar is a contrived word paying homage to the space launch and orbital operations of NASA.[6]

A 2021 study found that more recent radial velocity measurements of 42 Draconis were inconsistent with the proposed planetary orbit, casting serious doubt on 42 Draconis b's existence, but with a two-planet solution still being a possibility. The study suggests that the radial velocity signal is likely caused by a yet unknown stellar phenomenon, which might be common in giant stars.[7]