An exoplanet just 12 light-years beyond our solar system is sending out radio signals that may be evidence of an Earth-like magnetic field and atmosphere.
Using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array of telescopes in New Mexico, the researchers detected strong radio waves believed to be created by the star YZ Ceti interacting with the planet YZ Ceti b’s magnetic field.“This is telling us new information about the environment around stars,” said Sebastian Pineda, co-lead author on the new paper, calling the detection “extrasolar space weather.” “We’re actually seeing the aurora on the star—that’s what this radio emission is ...
Detecting the presence of a magnetic field around a distant exoplanet is not easy. This is the first time a magnetic field has been found around a Earth-sized exoplanet, with previous detections at only Jupiter-size worlds. For radio waves to be detected from 12 light-years away requires them to be very strong, which means the exoplanet has to be orbiting very close to its star. YZ Ceti b take just two days to orbit its star. “We’re looking for planets that are really close to their stars and are a similar size to Earth,” said Pineda.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Northern Lights Have Been Detected On An Earth-Sized Planet Just 12 Light-Years AwayAn exoplanet just 12 light-years beyond our solar system is sending out radio signals that may be evidence of an Earth-like magnetic field and atmosphere.
Read more »
The Northern Lights Have Been Detected On An Earth-Sized Planet Just 12 Light-Years AwayAn exoplanet just 12 light-years beyond our solar system is sending out radio signals that may be evidence of an Earth-like magnetic field and atmosphere.
Read more »
How to find STEVE, the elusive cousin of the northern lights auroraStargazers and space fans, take note: More chances to spot the rare cosmic phenomenon known as STEVE are expected in the next few years.
Read more »
Ingredients for life discovered in Perseus molecular cloud in space 1,000 light-years from EarthThe prebiotic molecules were found in the Perseus Molecular Cloud, a young cluster of stars and gas in deep space.
Read more »
Pretty Lights Flicker Back on After Nearly Five Years In the Dark With Tour AnnouncementEDM favorite PrettyLights returned after nearly five years of almost total silence, announcing a North American tour and sharing some new music.
Read more »
Sheriff says ‘Operation Bright Lights’ pulled plug on gang that had ‘terrorized’ Jacksonville for yearsSeven arrests and the seizure of more than 2 kilograms of drugs, $80,000 in cash and guns connected to multiple crimes, including a homicide: that was the result of “Operation Bright Lights,” Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced Tuesday.
Read more »