OGLE-2018-BLG-0977L b is an intriguing exoplanet discovered in 2022 by the clever use of gravitational microlensing, a cosmic magnifying trick perfected by the OGLE team using their trusty OGLE CCD Array telescope. This planet orbits the star OGLE-2018-BLG-0977L, nestled far in the depths of our galaxy, where light from distant stars bends to reveal hidden worlds. Though we don’t have a cozy nickname for this distant wanderer yet, its discovery highlights the incredible ways astronomers can find planets not by seeing their light, but by spying their gravitational shadows. OGLE-2018-BLG-0977L b’s reveal shows the galaxy still brimming with playful secrets waiting to be uncovered by curious Earthlings!
