Exciting Discovery: Earth-Sized Exoplanet Found Orbiting Nearby Star

Posted on January 31, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have recently identified a new exoplanet, HD 137010b, orbiting the nearby K dwarf star HD 137010, following the detection of a single shallow transit in archived data from NASA’s Kepler Expansion K2 mission.

HD 137010b is estimated to be 6% larger than Earth, with surface temperatures akin to those of Mars, possibly dipping below -70 degrees Celsius. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Keith Miller, California Institute of Technology and IPAC.

HD 137010 is classified as a K3.5V dwarf star located approximately 146 light-years away in the constellation Libra.

This star’s age ranges between 4.8 billion and 10 billion years, and its low magnetic activity reflects its status as an old, relatively calm star.

Commonly referenced as BD-19 4097, HIC 75398, 2MASS J15242123-1944215, or TYC 6179-1111-1, HD 137010 has an apparent magnitude of 10.1 and is recognized as one of the brightest stars hosting an Earth-sized planet in temperate orbits.

The new exoplanet, designated HD 137010b, was observed during K2 Campaign 15 when NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope monitored its parent star for about three months in 2017.

“Most Earth-sized planets discovered in the habitable zone orbit red dwarfs, which are smaller and dimmer than the Sun,” explains lead author Astronomer Alexander Venner from the University of Southern Queensland.

“Concerns arise regarding these planets losing their atmospheres due to intense radiation from their host stars, rendering them uninhabitable for known life forms.”

“However, HD 137010b’s star shares characteristics more closely aligned with the Sun, increasing the likelihood that a stable atmosphere could be retained, according to current theoretical models.”

In their study, Venner and colleagues analyzed K2 data, light curves from nearby stars, archival images, and radial velocity measurements to clarify the nature of the transit signal, which lasted roughly 10 hours.

These evaluations strongly suggest that the observed transit is astrophysical and not a result of background interference, eclipsing binaries, or solar-system debris.

Astronomers have determined that the planet’s radius is approximately 1.06 times that of Earth based on the transit depth.

Considering the transit’s duration and the star’s properties, the orbital period of HD 137010b is estimated to be around 355 days.

At its distance from the host star, HD 137010b is estimated to receive about 29% of the stellar flux that Earth obtains from the Sun, placing it near the outskirts of the star’s habitable zone.

“If HD 137010b has an atmosphere similar to that of Earth or Mars, it could experience temperatures colder than Antarctica,” noted Dr. Venner.

“However, if the atmosphere thickens, conditions could warm up sufficiently for liquid water to exist, creating a potentially viable environment for life.”

“Current astronomical instruments are unable to fully characterize this newly discovered planet, but it stands out as a primary candidate for future radial velocity tools aimed at detecting Earth-like analogs.”

“Upcoming space missions, like NASA’s Habitable World Observatory, could also provide images of HD 137010b.”

This discovery is detailed in the following article: paper published in Astrophysics Journal Letters.

_____

Alexander Venner and others. 2026. A cool Earth-sized planet candidate orbiting a K2 magnitude K-dwarf star. APJL 997, L38; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf06f

Source: www.sci.news

ALMA Achieves Best-Ever Image of Exoplanet Debris Disk

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA), astronomers have unveiled stunning high-resolution images of 24 debris disks—dusty remnants that form after planetary systems complete their formation—showcasing the intricate transitional stages between the birth of planets and fully developed exoplanetary systems.

The ARKS gallery of faint debris disks reveals intricate shapes, including belts with multiple rings and sharp edges. Amber highlights the abundance of dust, while blue indicates carbon monoxide in gas-rich disks. Image credit: Sebastian Marino / Sorcha Mac Manamon / ARKS collaboration.

Young and mature planetary systems feature faint dust belts known as debris disks.

These disks are believed to result from collisions between large planetesimals, given dust’s brief lifespan against radiation and collisions.

Debris disks serve as the extrasolar equivalents of asteroids and the Kuiper Belt in our solar system.

With ages spanning from tens of millions to thousands of years, they offer a unique view into the final assembly of planetary systems.

Furthermore, they enable us to draw connections between protoplanetary disk structures and known mature exoplanetary populations.

Debris disks are significantly darker, appearing hundreds or thousands of times fainter than the luminous, gas-rich disks where planets are born.

Meredith Hughes, an astronomer at Wesleyan University, and her team have surmounted these challenges to produce the most detailed images to date of these disks.

Utilizing ALMA, they captured high-resolution images of 24 debris disks surrounding other stars.

This observation contributes to the ALMA survey aimed at resolving the Outer Kuiper Belt Substructure (ARKS).

“While we’ve often glimpsed ‘baby pictures’ of planet formation, the ‘teenage’ phase has remained elusive,” says Hughes.

Dr. Sebastian Marino, an astronomer at the University of Exeter, noted: “We’re observing genuine diversity—not just simple rings, but multi-ring belts and pronounced asymmetries, illustrating a dynamic and tumultuous phase in planetary history.”

ARKS stands as the largest and highest resolution survey of debris disks, akin to DSHARP, setting a new gold standard in the field.

Approximately one-third of the studied disks display distinct substructures, such as multiple rings and noticeable gaps, suggesting features left over from early planetary formation or shaped by planets over extended timescales.

Some disks retain the complex structure from earlier stages, while others have deteriorated into broad, smooth bands akin to the expected development of our solar system.

Many disks exhibit zones of tranquility and chaos, with vertically raised areas resembling unique objects in our solar system, blending classical Kuiper Belt objects with those disturbed by Neptune’s past migrations.

Some disks maintain gas longer than anticipated. In certain star systems, residual gas can influence the chemistry of developing planets or encourage dust to form extensive halos.

Numerous disks feature bright arcs or eccentric configurations, indicating gravitational effects from unseen exoplanets, scars left by planetary migration, or interactions between gas and dust.

Dr. Luca Matra, an astronomer at Trinity College, Dublin, remarked: “These disks encapsulate a period when planetary orbits were disrupted, akin to the massive impacts that shaped our early solar system.”

“By examining dozens of disks around stars of varying ages and types, ARKS aims to determine if their chaotic features are inherited, influenced by planets, or derived from other cosmic forces.”

“Understanding these nuances may shed light on whether our solar system’s history is unique or part of a common pattern.”

For more on this result, see the latest issue of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

_____

S. Marino et al. 2026. ALMA surveys to resolve the ExoKuiper belt substructure (ARKS). I. Motivation, sample, data reduction, and results overview. A&A 705, A195; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202556489

Source: www.sci.news

How Quantum Computers Could Enhance Exoplanet Imaging for Clearer Views

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s Impression of an Exoplanet

Credit: ESA/Hubble (M. Kornmesser)

Innovative quantum computers may enhance our ability to detect exoplanets and analyze their characteristics in unprecedented detail.

Astronomers have identified thousands of planets beyond our solar system, but they believe billions of exoplanets remain to be uncovered. This exploration is crucial for the search for extraterrestrial life, though the distance from Earth complicates direct observations.

Johannes Borregard and his team at Harvard University propose that quantum computing technology could dramatically streamline this endeavor.

Capturing images of exoplanets involves detecting their faint light signals, which diminish as they traverse vast cosmic distances. Additionally, these signals can be obscured by the light of nearby stars, creating additional challenges.

According to Borregard, his NASA colleagues illustrated the difficulty of this task, likening it to locating a single photon amidst a sea of light during telescope observations.

Traditional processing methods struggle with such weak signals. However, quantum computers can harness the quantum states of incoming photons, utilizing their unique properties to gather crucial data about exoplanets. This approach could transform what typically produces indistinct images or singular blurred points into clear visuals of distant worlds, revealing light-based markers of molecules present on these exoplanets.

The central concept of the team’s proposal suggests that light from an exoplanet interacts with a quantum computing device crafted from specially engineered diamond. This technology has already shown success in storing quantum states of photons. These states would then be transmitted to an advanced quantum computer designed to process and generate images of exoplanets. In their model, Borregard and his colleagues envision the second device utilizing ultracold atoms, which have demonstrated significant potential in recent experiments.

Research indicates that employing quantum devices in this manner could produce images using only one-hundredth, or even one-thousandth, of the photons needed in conventional methods. Essentially, in scenarios of extremely weak light, quantum systems could surpass existing technology.

“Since photons adhere to quantum mechanics principles, it is intuitive to explore quantum approaches for detecting and processing light from exoplanets,” notes Cosmolpo from the Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy. However, he acknowledges that realizing this proposal poses significant challenges, necessitating precise control over both quantum computers and effective coordination between them.

Borregard concurs, recognizing promising experimental advancements in employing diamond-based and cryogenic quantum computers. He highlights that establishing a connection between these systems is currently a focus for several research teams, including his own.

Lupo introduces another innovative strategy leveraging quantum light properties. Current initiatives utilizing quantum devices have already begun to observe stars in the Canis Minor constellation. “I am eager to witness the influence of quantum computing on imaging and astronomy in the future,” he states. “This new research represents a pivotal step in that direction.”

Discover Chile: The Global Hub of Astronomy

Immerse yourself in Chile’s astronomical wonders. Experience cutting-edge observatories and gaze at the stars beneath the world’s clearest skies.

Topics:

Exoplanet/
Quantum Computing

Source: www.newscientist.com

An Unusual Lemon-Shaped Exoplanet That Challenges Planet Formation Theories

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

Artist impression of PSR J2322-2650b

NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralph Crawford (STScI)

Astronomers have identified what could be one of the most peculiar known exoplanets. This planet orbits a rapidly spinning neutron star known as a pulsar, which is just the beginning of its unusual characteristics.

Michael Chan and his team at the University of Chicago discovered this strange exoplanet located more than 2,000 light-years away from Earth using the James Webb Space Telescope. They quickly recognized that something was off when they analyzed the spectrum of light emitted by the planet. Instead of detecting the typical signatures of water or carbon dioxide, they unexpectedly found carbon molecules.

Carbon molecules are not commonly seen in planetary atmospheres as they typically bond with other elements rather than themselves. “For carbon to exist in the atmosphere, we would need to eliminate nearly all other elements, including oxygen and nitrogen, which is something we don’t understand how to achieve,” Zhang stated. “There aren’t any other known planetary atmospheres like this one.”

Due to its proximity to its star and the star’s significant mass, the pulsar’s gravity is believed to have distorted the planet into an elongated, lemon-like shape. A year on this exoplanet lasts just 7.8 hours, and even its coldest regions reach temperatures of approximately 650°C (1202°F). Unlike most gas giants, the winds on this planet blow contrary to its rotation. “You can envision this planet having graphite clouds in its atmosphere, giving it a striking red appearance, reminiscent of an ominous lemon,” Zhang remarked. “I consider it to be undoubtedly the most bizarre exoplanet known.”

These numerous anomalies pose a challenge in explaining the formation of PSR J2322-2650b, running counter to established models of planetary formation. For now, this utterly bizarre and remote world remains an enigma.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Webb Discovers Unique Helium and Carbon-Rich Atmosphere on Exoplanet Orbiting Pulsar

Posted on December 17, 2025 by

PSR J2322-2650b, an enigmatic Jupiter-mass exoplanet orbiting the millisecond pulsar PSR J2322-2650, exhibits an unusual atmosphere primarily composed of helium and carbon, presenting a new phenomenon never observed before.

Artist’s concept of PSR J2322-2650b. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/Ralf Crawford, STScI.

“This discovery was completely unexpected,” stated Dr. Peter Gao, an astronomer at the Carnegie Earth and Planetary Institute.

“After analyzing the data, our immediate reaction was, ‘What on Earth is this?’ It contradicted all our expectations.”

“This system is fascinating because we can see the planet lit by its star, yet the star itself is invisible,” explained Dr. Maya Bereznay, a candidate at Stanford University.

“This allows us to capture exceptionally clear spectra, enabling us to study the system in a much more detailed way than we typically do with other exoplanets.”

“This planet orbits a truly unique star—it’s as massive as the sun but as compact as a city,” remarked Dr. Michael Chan from the University of Chicago.

“This represents a new kind of planetary atmosphere never before observed. Instead of the typical molecules like water, methane, and carbon dioxide, we detected carbon molecules, particularly C.₃ and C₂.”

Molecular carbon is exceedingly rare; at temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius, carbon typically bonds with other atoms in the atmosphere.

Out of around 150 planets studied both within and beyond our solar system, none have showcased detectable molecular carbon.

“Did this form as a typical planet? Certainly not, due to its starkly different composition,” Dr. Zhang stated.

“Could it have been created by stripping the outer layers of a star, like what happens in a conventional black widow system? Likely not, as nuclear processes do not yield pure carbon.”

“Envisioning how this drastically carbon-rich composition came to be is quite challenging. All known formation theories seem to be excluded.”

The authors suggest an intriguing phenomenon that might occur in such a unique atmosphere.

“As the companion star cools, the carbon and oxygen mixture within begins to crystallize,” explained Roger Romani, an astronomer at Stanford University and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology.

“What we observed was pure carbon crystals rising to the surface and blending with the helium.”

“Yet, there must be a mechanism to prevent the oxygen and nitrogen from mixing in. This is where the mystery deepens.”

“However, it’s intriguing not to have all the answers. I’m eager to uncover more about the peculiarities of this atmosphere. Solving these enigmas will be remarkable.”

For more information, refer to the paper published in Astrophysics Journal Letter.

_____

michael chan et al. 2025. The carbon-rich atmosphere of a windy pulsar planet. APJL 995, L64; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae157c

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Develop 3D Temperature Map of the Exoplanet WASP-18b

Posted on October 29, 2025 by

A newly released map of WASP-18b, a hot Jupiter exoplanet located approximately 325 light-years from Earth, showcases an atmosphere characterized by distinct temperature zones. Within this region, the scorching temperatures are capable of decomposing water vapor.

Hot Jupiter WASP-18b. Image credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

The WASP-18b map represents the first implementation of a method known as 3D eclipse mapping, or spectroscopic eclipse mapping.

This study features a 2D model. The paper, published in 2023 by members of the same research team, illustrated how eclipse mapping can leverage the sensitive observations from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.

“This technique is unique in that it can simultaneously survey all three dimensions: latitude, longitude, and altitude,” stated Dr. Megan Weiner Mansfield, an astronomer at the University of Maryland and Arizona State University.

“This enables a greater level of detail than previously possible for studying these celestial objects.”

With this technology, astronomers can now begin to chart the atmospheric variations of many similar exoplanets observable through Webb, resembling how Earth-based telescopes once scrutinized Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and its striped cloud formations.

“Eclipse mapping allows us to capture images of exoplanets whose host stars are too bright for direct observation,” remarked Dr. Ryan Challenor, an astronomer at Cornell University and the University of Maryland.

“Thanks to this telescope and groundbreaking technology, we can start to understand exoplanets similarly to the neighboring worlds in our solar system.”

Detecting exoplanets is quite challenging as they typically emit less than 1% of the brightness of their host star.

Mapping a solar eclipse involves measuring a small fraction of the total brightness as the planet orbits behind the star, obscuring and revealing areas of the star in the process.

Scientists can link minute changes in light to specific regions, creating brightness maps. These maps can be rendered in various colors and translated into three-dimensional temperature readings based on latitude, longitude, and altitude.

“It’s quite difficult because you’re looking for changes where small sections of the Earth become obscured and then revealed,” Challenor explained.

WASP-18b has a mass approximately 10 times that of Jupiter, completes its orbit in just 23 hours, and achieves temperatures around 2,760 degrees Celsius (5,000 degrees Fahrenheit). Its strong signal makes it an excellent candidate for testing new mapping techniques.

While previous 2D maps relied on a single wavelength or color of light, the 3D map re-evaluated the same observations using Webb’s Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrometer (NIRISS) across multiple wavelengths.

“Each color corresponds to different temperatures and altitudes within WASP-18b’s gaseous atmosphere, allowing them to be combined into a 3D map,” Dr. Challenor noted.

“Mapping at wavelengths that water absorbs can indicate the layers of water in the atmosphere, while wavelengths that water doesn’t absorb facilitate deeper probing.”

“When combined, these provide a three-dimensional temperature map of the atmosphere.”

The new perspective uncovered spectroscopically distinct zones (with varying temperatures and potentially different chemical compositions) on the visible dayside of WASP-18b (the side that perpetually faces its star due to its tidally locked orbit).

The planet exhibits a circular “hotspot” that receives the most direct stellar light, with winds insufficient to redistribute the heat.

Surrounding the hotspot is a cooler “ring” located closer to the planet’s visible outer edge.

Interestingly, the measurements indicated that water vapor levels within the hotspot were lower than the average for WASP-18b.

“We believe this suggests that the heat in this area is so intense that water is beginning to decompose,” explained Challenor.

“This was anticipated by theory, but it’s exhilarating to confirm it through actual observations.”

“Further observations from Webb could enhance the spatial resolution of this pioneering 3D eclipse map.”

“Already, this technique will aid in refining temperature maps of other hot Jupiters, which comprise hundreds of the more than 6,000 exoplanets discovered to date.”

Dr. Mansfield expressed: “It’s thrilling that we now possess the tools to visualize and map the temperature of another planet in such intricate detail.”

“We can apply this technique to other exoplanet types. For instance, even if a planet lacks an atmosphere, we might be able to use this method to map surface temperatures and discern its composition.”

“While WASP-18b was more predictable, we believe there’s potential to observe phenomena we never anticipated before.”

The map of WASP-18b is detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

_____

RC Challenor et al.. Horizontal and vertical exoplanet thermal structures from JWST spectroscopic eclipse maps. Nat Astron published online October 28, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02666-9

Source: www.sci.news

Webb Investigates the Atmosphere of Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e in Its Habitable Zone

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers are making strides in exploring the TRAPPIST-1 system with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing its remarkable capability to glean detailed data about the exoplanet atmospheres and effectively utilize this information. The initial findings stem from Webb’s observation of TRAPPIST-1e. Although the first four observations by Webb are not adequate to fully assess the atmosphere, scientists are using the data to refine the possibilities for these planets, including the presence of oceans similar to those on Earth and a methane-rich environment akin to Saturn’s moon Titan. Meanwhile, additional innovative observations from Webb are ongoing, revealing the unique characteristics of TRAPPIST-1e.

The Earth-sized Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1E is illustrated in the bottom right as it eclipses the flare host star in this artist’s representation of the TRAPPIST-1 system. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/JOSEPH OLMSTED, STSCI.

TRAPPIST-1 is a cool dwarf star located in the Aquarius constellation, approximately 38.8 light-years away.

The stars are only slightly larger than Jupiter and possess a mere 8% of the solar mass. They rotate rapidly and emit UV energy flares.

TRAPPIST-1 harbors seven transiting planets designated TRAPPIST-1b, c, d, e, f, g, and h.

All these planets are comparable in size to Earth and Venus, or slightly smaller, with remarkably short orbital periods: 1.51, 2.42, 4.04, 6.06, 9.21, 12.35, and 20 days, respectively.

It is possible that they could be tidally locked, meaning the same side is always facing the host star, resulting in a perpetual day and night side for each TRAPPIST-1 planet.

Among the seven planets, TRAPPIST-1E is of particular interest if it possesses an atmosphere, as its surface water is situated at a theoretically viable distance from the star.

The Space Telescope Science Institute and colleague Dr. Néstor Espinoza aimed the Webb’s NIRSpec (near-infrared spectrometer) instrument at TRAPPIST-1e during its transits in front of the star.

As starlight filters through the planet’s atmosphere, it can be partially absorbed, revealing the specific chemicals present by the resulting dips in the light spectrum that reaches Webb.

As more transits are analyzed, the clarity regarding the atmospheric composition improves.

With only four transits analyzed thus far, numerous possibilities remain open for TRAPPIST-1E, though researchers speculate that it lacks a significant primary atmosphere.

Given TRAPPIST-1’s active nature and frequent flares, it’s not unexpected that the potential hydrogen-helium atmosphere of the planet could have been stripped away by stellar radiation.

However, many planets, like Earth, develop a denser secondary atmosphere after losing their initial one.

TRAPPIST-1E may not have the capacity for this and could potentially lack a secondary atmosphere.

“We have devised a novel method to analyze Webb’s data to assess the potential atmosphere and surface conditions of TRAPPIST-1E,” said the scientist.

It appears unlikely that TRAPPIST-1e’s atmosphere is largely composed of carbon dioxide, reminiscent of Venus’s thick atmosphere or Mars’s thinner one.

Nonetheless, astronomers should be cautious, as there are no direct parallels to our solar system.

“Because TRAPPIST-1 is significantly different from our Sun, the surrounding planetary systems also exhibit notable differences, posing challenges to both observational and theoretical frameworks,” remarked Dr. Nicole Lewis of Cornell University.

“If TRAPPIST-1E has liquid water, it would require a greenhouse effect. This effect incorporates various gases, especially carbon dioxide, which help stabilize the atmosphere and maintain a warm environment on the planet.”

“A minimal greenhouse effect is beneficial, and measurements do not exclude the presence of carbon dioxide necessary to preserve water on the surface.”

The team’s analysis suggests that water could exist as global oceans or be distributed in smaller, ice-encased regions at midday.

This is due to the size of the TRAPPIST-1 planets and their orbital sizes, all of which are thought to be tidally locked, with one side perpetually facing the star and the other shrouded in darkness.

“They’re remarkable,” stated Dr. Anna Glidden, an astronomer at the Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research at MIT.

“This is an astounding measurement of starlight around an Earth-sized planet located 40 light-years away, providing insights into potential life there if conditions permit.”

“It’s thrilling to be part of this new era of exploration.”

The latest findings from Webb are discussed in two new papers published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

____

Néstor Espinoza et al. 2025. JWST-TST Dreams: NIRSpec/Prism transmission spectroscopy of the planet TRAPPIST-1e. ApJL 990, L52; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf42e

Anna Glidden et al. 2025. JWST-TST Dreams: Secondary atmosphere constraints of the habitable zone planet TRAPPIST-1e. ApJL 990, L53; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf62e

Source: www.sci.news

Images of Giant Exoplanet Candidates in Alpha Centauri’s Habitable Zone

Posted on August 9, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The planetary candidate, Alpha Centauri AB, may be a gas giant orbiting at a distance of one to two times that of the Earth from the Sun, as indicated in two research papers. Astrophysics Journal Letter. If verified, this planet would be the closest known to Earth within the habitable zone of a Sun-like star. Nonetheless, since it is a gas giant, astronomers do not believe it could support life as we understand it.

Artist’s rendering of the gas giant Alpha Centauri A. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/Robert L. Hurt, Caltech & IPAC.

Alpha Centauri resides in the Centaurus constellation and represents the nearest star system to Earth.

Also referred to as Rigil Centaurus, Rigil Kent, and Griese 559, this system includes a bright binary star pair, Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, alongside a fainter red star known as Alpha Centauri C.

The two prominent stars are approximately 4.35 light-years away, while Alpha Centauri C, commonly called Proxima Centauri, is slightly nearer at about 4.23 light-years.

In comparison to the Sun, Alpha Centauri A is a G2-type star similar in nature, but slightly larger (1.1 times the size of the Sun and around 1.5 times its luminosity).

Alpha Centauri B, classified as a K1-type star, is slightly smaller and less luminous (approximately 0.9 times the mass of the Sun, with about 45% of its visual brightness).

These two stars orbit around a common center of gravity approximately every 80 years, maintaining a minimum distance of about 11 times that of the Earth-Sun distance.

Astronomers study these stars closely along with our nearest interstellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri, making them prime targets in the search for potentially habitable planets.

“This proximity offers the best chance to gather data on planetary systems beyond our own,” stated Dr. Charles Beichman from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Exoplanet Science Institute at IPAC Astronomy Center in California.

“However, the brightness and swift motion of these stars present significant challenges in observation, even for the world’s most advanced space telescopes.”

The Alpha Centauri star system captured by different terrestrial and space-based observatories: DSS, Hubble Space Telescope, and James Webb Space Telescope. While the DSS shows the triple system as one light source, Hubble distinguishes between Alpha Centauri A and B. Webb’s Milimask image mitigates glare from Alpha Centauri A via a coronagraphic mask. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/ANIKET SANGHI, CALTECH/CHAS BEICHMAN, NEXSCI, NASA & JPL-CALTECH/DIMITRI MAWET, CALTECH/JOSEPH DEPASQUALE, STSCI.

The first observations of this system occurred in August 2024, employing a Coronagraphic Mask with Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to reduce the brightness of Alpha Centauri A.

The presence of nearby companion star Alpha Centauri B added complexity to the analysis, but astronomers successfully subtracted the light from both stars, uncovering objects that were more than 10,000 times dimmer than Alpha Centauri A.

On the other hand, an initial detection was promising, but further data was required for a definitive conclusion.

However, subsequent observations in February and April of 2025 did not unveil any objects akin to those detected in August 2024.

“We are facing a case of disappearing planets,” remarked Dr. Aniket Sangi from Caltech.

“To unravel this mystery, we employed computer models simulating millions of potential orbits, taking into account the insights gained from observing planets and their absence.”

In the simulations, the team incorporated the 2019 sightings of potential exoplanet candidates reported by the ESO’s Very Large Telescope, alongside new data from Webb, considering the gravitational stability of orbits influenced by Alpha Centauri B.

“The non-detections in the second and third rounds with Webb were not unexpected,” stated Sangi.

“In many simulated orbits, the planet was positioned too close to the star, rendering it invisible to Webb during both February and April 2025.”

“Based on mid-infrared observations of planetary brightness and orbital simulations, this gas giant could have a mass similar to Saturn, orbiting Alpha Centauri A at a distance one to two times greater than that between the Sun and Earth.”

“If confirmed, the potential planets identified in Webb’s Alpha Centauri images will represent a significant milestone in exoplanet imaging efforts,” Sangi added.

“Of all directly imaged planets, this would be the closest star we have ever observed.”

“Moreover, it would be the nearest to our home, with gas giants in our solar system that are similar in temperature and age to Earth.”

“The mere existence of two closely separated star systems poses intriguing challenges to our understanding of planetary formation, survival, and evolution within chaotic environments.”

If substantiated by further observations, these findings could reshape the field of exoplanet science.

“This will become a pivotal object in exoplanet research, offering multiple opportunities for detailed characterization by Webb and other observatories,” Dr. Beichman concluded.

____

Charles Beichman et al. 2025. The Neighbor World: Imaging a giant planet candidate, orbital and physical properties of CEN A, and habitable zones at the exozodiacal upper limit. ApJL in press; Arxiv: 2508.03814

Aniket Sangi et al. 2025. The Neighbor World: Imaging a giant planet candidate in the habitable zone of Cen A. II. Binary Star Modeling, Planetary and Exozodiacal Search, and Sensitivity Analysis. ApJL in press; Arxiv: 2508.03812

Source: www.sci.news

The Indicators of Alien Life on Exoplanet K2-18b Have Nearly Vanished

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artistic Depictions of K2-18b

A. Smith/N. Mandhusudhan

Hope for discovering alien life on K2-18B is diminishing. Recent observations have not revealed clear evidence of biomolecules suggested by earlier studies. While many scientists concur that this casts doubt on past claims, one researcher involved in those earlier findings argues that the new data may actually bolster their conclusions.

In April, Nick Madhusudan at Cambridge University and his team proposed that K2-18B, a rocky planet larger than Earth and located around 124 light years away, shows signs of atmospheric molecules dimethyldimethylsulfide (DMS) and dimethyldisulfide (DMD). On Earth, these compounds are exclusively produced by living organisms. At the time, Madhusudhan described these as “the first hints we see about this alien world, possibly a home for life.”

However, subsequent analyses of the same JWST data by other researchers using different statistical methods found no substantial evidence for these molecules. Madhusudhan later stated that his team conducted a more in-depth reanalysis of their data. In an interview with New Scientist, he expressed “increased confidence” that DMS could be the best explanation for the findings. Without further observations of K2-18B, astronomers remain divided on the potential for life on the planet.

Recently, Renyu Hu from Caltech and his colleagues collaborated with Madhusudhan’s team to examine new JWST observations of K2-18B. They found no statistical evidence supporting the detection of DMS. “This paper does not present conclusive evidence regarding the presence of this molecule in the atmosphere,” remarked Hu.

Madhusudhan, Hu, and their teams utilized JWST’s near-infrared camera to observe the light from K2-18B’s star. This camera captured light at wavelengths differing from the mid-infrared measurements used in the earlier analysis conducted in April. The researchers then assessed their findings using various atmospheric models for K2-18B. Each model had different assumptions regarding the molecular composition and the presence of water vapor in its atmosphere.

Some models incorporating DMS provided slightly better explanations for the data than those without, but this does not necessarily indicate a firm detection, falling short of the threshold for statistical evidence. “The models suggest that if there is a signal, it is quite weak,” stated Hu. “I remain cautious.”

Madhusudhan acknowledged the lack of strong evidence for detection, but contended that it is more reasonable to compare this data with recent observations from JWST’s near-infrared cameras taken in 2023, as opposed to April’s mid-infrared results. “Statistically, the data does seem to show slightly stronger evidence for DMS than what we discussed in our paper,” said Madhusudhan.

“There could still be other molecules mimicking DMS,” he added, but he believes that signals produced by unknown compounds exhibit specific traits best accounted for by DMS. “However, we cannot make confident assertions.”

“This study clearly states that there is no evidence of dimethyl sulfide. No statistical support exists for these gases,” stated Lewis Wellbanks of Arizona State University. Sarah Seager from MIT remarked that her team views the statistical significance presented by the researchers as “not enough to be considered a detection.”

“It seems we may be nearing the end of the discussion regarding whether DMS can be detected at viable levels. [K2-18b] conditions are not conducive enough for more critical detection,” remarked Jake Taylor from Oxford University.

In a further setback for biosignature proponents, Hu and his team discovered that specific hydrogen-rich atmospheres in planets like K2-18b can generate DMS through chemical pathways devoid of biological influence. “This helps narrow down which molecules may serve as biosignatures in exoplanetary atmospheres, implying that DMS is not exclusively indicative of life,” noted Taylor.

However, he emphasized that additional mid-infrared observations with JWST, akin to those undertaken in April, could yield more specific data, as DMS characteristics and other intricate molecules target distinct light regions that are detectable.

What is widely accepted by astronomers is that K2-18B is rich in water. Hu and his team have gathered robust evidence for the existence of methane and carbon dioxide, suggesting the presence of water. However, it remains unclear whether this water exists as oceans, atmospheric vapor, or is confined inside the planet.

World Capital of Astronomy: Chile

Discover the astronomical wonders of Chile. Explore some of the world’s most advanced observatories and gaze at the stars beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Recently Discovered Exoplanet Triggers Flares on Its Host Star

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Hot-Jupiter exoplanet HIP 67522b revolves around its star, HIP 67522, frequently triggering flares from the star’s surface, which seem to heat and penetrate the planet’s atmosphere.

Artistic impression of the HIP 67522 young planetary system. Image credit: J. Fohlmeister, AIP.

HIP 67522 is a G0 star located approximately 417 light-years away in the constellation Centaurus.

This star is part of the Scorpius-Centaurus Stellar Association and is also known as HD 120411, 2Mass J13500627-4050090, and TYC 7794-2268-1.

At about 17 million years old, HIP 67522 is home to two young exoplanets.

The inner planet, HIP 67522b, completes an orbit around the star every seven days and has a diameter roughly ten times that of Earth, making it similar in size to Jupiter.

Using five years of data from NASA’s TESS and ESA’s CHEOPS telescopes, astronomer Ekaterina Ilin and her team studied the HIP 67522 system in detail.

They uncovered that the planet and its host star share a powerful yet destructive connection.

Although not completely understood, the planet becomes ensnared in the star’s magnetic field, resulting in eruptions on the star’s surface that transfer energy back to the planet.

When combined with other high-energy radiation from the star, these flares appear to significantly enhance the rapid inflation of the planet’s atmosphere.

This indicates that the planet might not remain within the size range of Jupiter for much longer.

Continuous exposure to intense radiation can lead to atmospheric loss over time.

In about 100 million years, this could change the planet into a hot Neptune state or even result in more severe atmospheric reductions, with sub-Neptunes commonly observed in our galaxies, but lacking smaller planetary types than Neptune in our solar system.

“We found the first definitive evidence of the interaction between the flare star and the planet, demonstrating that the planet induces energy eruptions in the host star,” remarked Dr. Ilin, lead author of a paper published in the journal Nature.

“What is particularly thrilling is that this interaction persists for at least three years, allowing for in-depth study.”

“Such planetary interactions have long been anticipated, but these observations were made possible with this extensive spatial telescope dataset,” stated Dr. Katja Poppenhäger, an astronomer at Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam and Potsdam University.

“The planets are essentially subjected to intense bursts of radiation and particles from these induced flares,” explained Astron astronomer Dr. Harish Vedantum.

“The conditions in this self-inflicted environment are likely to expand the planet’s atmosphere and can significantly accelerate the rate at which the planet is losing its atmosphere.”

In a separate paper published in Astronomy and Astrophysics, astronomers confirmed that HIP 67522 is a magnetically active star emitting strong radio radiation along with a magnetic field.

They monitored the star at low radio frequencies for approximately 135 hours using the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), revealing it as a bright and explosive source of radio waves.

However, there were no indications of radio wave flares resulting from star-planet interactions.

“The lack of detection aligns with the notion that planet-driven flares may be too faint for ATCA to observe, corroborating the conclusions on magnetic star-planet interactions presented in our Nature paper,” they noted.

____

Ekaterina Ilin et al. Nearby planets induce flares in their host star. Nature, published online July 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09236-z

Ekaterina Ilin et al. 2025. Search for planetary-induced radio signals from the young exoplanet-host star HIP 67522. A&A, in press; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202554684

Source: www.sci.news

Giant Exoplanet Discovered Orbiting Low-Mass Star TOI-6894

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The identification of TO-6894B, an exoplanet roughly 86% the size of Jupiter orbiting the low-mass Redd star (0.2 solar masses), underscores the importance of enhancing our comprehension of the formation mechanisms of giant planets and their protoplanetary disc environments.

Artist’s illustration of TOI-6894B behind its host star. Image credit: Markgarlic/Warwick University.

The TOI-6894 system is located approximately 73 parsecs (238 light years) away in the Leo constellation.

This planet was discovered through a comprehensive analysis of data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), aimed at locating giant planets around low-mass stars.

“I was thrilled by this discovery. My initial focus was on observing a low-mass red star with TESS, in search of a giant planet,” remarked Dr. Edward Bryant, an astronomer from the University of London.

“Then, utilizing observations from ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), one of the most substantial telescopes globally, I identified TO-6894B, a giant planet orbiting the smallest known star with such a companion planet.”

“I never anticipated that a planet like TOI-6894B could exist around such a low-mass star.”

“This finding will serve as a foundational element in our understanding of the boundary conditions for giant planet formation.”

TOI-6894B is a low-density gas giant, with a radius slightly exceeding that of Saturn, which has only 50% of its mass.

The parent star is the lowest mass star yet found to host a massive planet, being just 60% of the mass of the next smallest star observed with such a planet.

“Most stars in our galaxy are actually small, and it was previously believed that they couldn’t support a gas giant,” stated Dr. Daniel Baylis, an astronomer at Warwick University.

“Therefore, the fact that this star has a giant planet significantly impacts our estimates of the total number of giant planets likely to exist in the galaxy.”

“This is a fascinating discovery. We still don’t completely understand why relatively few stars can form such large planets,” commented Dr. Vincent Van Eilen, an astronomer at the University of London.

“This drives one of our objectives to search for more exoplanets.”

“By exploring different planetary systems compared to our own solar system, we can evaluate our models and gain insights into how our solar system was formed.”

The prevailing theory of planetary formation is known as core accretion theory.

According to this theory, the cores of planets are initially formed by accreting material, and as the core grows, it attracts gases that eventually create its atmosphere.

Eventually, the core becomes sufficiently large to initiate the runaway gas accretion process, leading to the formation of a gas giant.

However, forming gas giants around low-mass stars presents challenges, as the gas and dust necessary for planetary formation in their protoplanetary discs is limited, hindering the formation of a sufficiently large core to kickstart this runaway process.

The existence of TOI-6894B indicates that this model may be insufficient and that alternative theories need to be considered.

“Considering TO-6894B’s mass, it might have been formed through an intermediate core-fault mechanism, whereby the protoplanet forms and accumulates gas steadily without orbiting, making it large enough to undergo runaway gas accretion,” Dr. Edward explained.

“Alternatively, it might have formed due to an unstable gravitational disk.”

“In certain cases, the disk surrounding the star can become unstable due to the gravitational forces it exerts on itself.”

“These disks may fragment as gas and dust collapse, leading to planet formation.”

However, the research team found that neither theory fully accounted for the formation of TOI-6894B based on the data available.

“Based on the stellar irradiation affecting TOI-6894B, we anticipate that its atmosphere is primarily influenced by methane chemistry, which is quite rare to identify.”

“The temperatures are low enough that atmospheric observations may even reveal the presence of ammonia.”

TOI-6894B might serve as a benchmark for methane-dominated atmospheric studies and an ideal laboratory for investigating planetary atmospheres containing carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen beyond our solar system.

Survey results will be featured in the journal Nature Astronomy.

____

Bryant et al. A giant exoplanet in orbit around a 0.2 solar mass star. Nature Astronomy, Published online on June 4th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02552-4

Source: www.sci.news

Strange vertical orbits of an exoplanet observed around a binary brown dwarf system

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Impression of the artist in the unusual orbit around the brown dwarf of ExoPlanet 2M1510 (AB)B

ESO/L. Calsada

It was first revealed that a pair of rare stars have equally rare companions, exoplanets that rush into orbit vertically.

Astronomers may think they know what the normal thing is about stars and planets, but they say, “But the universe is very diverse.” Amaury Triaud At the University of Birmingham, UK. He and his colleagues unexpectedly discovered evidence of rare constructs while analyzing data collected by a very large Chilean telescope.

The two stars are brown d stars. This means that they are small and very dim because they cannot maintain fusion and are often referred to as failed stars or subseber ral objects. They follow orbit and continue to cover each other when viewed from Earth. Researchers have previously observed only one brown d-star binary.

Triaud and his colleagues carefully analyzed the new binary system to determine the mass of the stars and their movements, and unexpectedly strange signals were found in the data. Ultimately, the only physical scenario that can explain it is that of a planet-sized object orbiting two stars, following an ellipse perpendicular to the star’s orbit.

Triaud says that vertical orbit is not entirely unheard of, but he and his colleagues never expected to see it in this context. “Brown dwarfs are rare. Brown dwarf pairs are rare. Covering a pair of brown dwarfs is even more unusual and faint, making it difficult to measure,” he says. “That was a surprise. In a system that is ideal and not rare in itself, there is this configuration.”

Twenty years ago, such a structure was considered science fiction, but now it has become a scientific fact. Katherine Brandel At Oxford University. “This is a truly beautiful outcome,” she says. Details of the impending orbit of the two stars make a strong claim that this “harmonograph of the sky” is authentic. By studying how they eat each other, we can identify more details about this unique trio’s moves going forward, Blundell says.

Researchers would like to learn more about the exoplanet named 2M1510(AB)B, but can be compared to a fictional tattoo. Star Warsa desert world orbiting two suns. However, the two suns on the 2M1510(AB)B dimming and get exposed to the surface with something similar to the double dose of moonlight.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Strange X-ray Emissions from a Remote White Dwarf Destroy a Devastated Exoplanet

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers may have ultimately solved the problem of what is causing the highly energy x-rays of WD 2226-210, a white dwarf star located in the heart of the Helix Nebula.

The impression of this artist shows an ex faction (left) that has come too close to the white dwarf (right) and torn apart by the power of the tide from the stars. Image credits: NASA/CXC/SAO/M. Weiss.

Helix Nebula It is a so-called planetary nebulae, a late stage of the star that discharges the outer layer of gas and leaves behind what is known as the white dwarf.

In the past decades, the Einstein X-ray Observatory and the Rosatt Telescope have detected highly energy x-rays from the white d star of the Helix Nebula, WD 2226-210.

White dwarfs like the WD 2226-210, just 650 light years away, usually do not emit powerful X-rays.

“They're the best,” said Dr. Sandino Estrada Dorado, an astronomer at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

“We may finally have found the cause of a mystery that lasted over 40 years.”

Previously, astronomers determined that Neptune-sized planets were in very close orbits around WD 2226-210.

Dr. Estrada Dorado and colleagues conclude that there may have been a planet like Jupiter, even closer to the star.

The besieged planet may have initially managed to hold a considerable distance from the white dwarf, but moved inwards by interacting with the gravity of other planets in the system.

Once it got close enough to the white dwarf, the gravity of the star would have partially or completely tore the planet.

“The mystical signals we've seen can be caused by fragments from the crushed planet falling onto the surface of a white dwarf and being heated to shine with x-rays,” said Dr. Martin Guerrero, an astronomer at the Andalusian Institute of Astronomy.

“If confirmed, this will be the first case of a planet that is considered to be destroyed by the central star of the planet.”

WD 2226-210 is located at the heart of the Helix Nebula. Image credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/UNIV MEXICO/ESTRADA-DORADO et al. /JPL/ESA/STSCI/M. MEIXNER/NRAO/TA RECTOR/ESO/Vista/J. Emerson/K. Arcand.

This study shows that X-ray signals from the white d star remained roughly constant in brightness between 1992, 1999 and 2002.

However, this data suggests that there are subtle and regular changes in the x-ray signal every 2.9 hours, which may provide evidence of planetary ruins very close to the white d star.

The author also considered whether a low-mass star could have been destroyed rather than a planet.

Such stars are roughly the same size as planets like Jupiter, but are much less likely to have been torn apart by larger, white dwarfs.

WD 2226-210 has some similarities between the two other white d stars that are not within the planet's nebula and the X-ray behavior.

It may separate the material from the planet's ally, but it will separate the material in a more sedative way without the planet being destroyed immediately.

Other white dwarfs may have dragged material onto their surfaces from traces of the planet.

These three white d stars can form variables or objects of change in the new class.

“They're the best,” said Dr. Jess Tora, an astronomer at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Team's paper It will be published in Monthly Notices from the Royal Astronomical Society.

____

S. Estrada-Dorado et al. 2025. Added to WD 2226-210, the central star of the Helix Nebula. mnrasin press; Arxiv: 2412.07863

This article is a version of a press release provided by NASA.

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Possibly Found the Swiftest Exoplanet System on Record

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Candidate planetary systems detected by microlens method are thought to travel at least 540 km (1.2 million mph) per 540 km.

Impressions of the superniputin exoplanet artist orbiting a low-mass star near the center of our Milky Way galaxy. Image credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt, Caltech-IPAC.

“I think this is the so-called Super Neptune world orbiting a low-mass star at the distance between Venus and Earth's orbit,” University of Maryland, College Park, NASA Goddard. At the Space Flight Center.

“The star is so weak that it is outside its habitable zone. If so, it will be the first planet ever discovered orbiting a fast star.”

The system was first discovered indirectly in 2011 thanks to the microlens event MOA-2011-BLG-262.

“Microlenses occur because a large amount of presence distorts the fabric of space-time,” the astronomer explained.

“Whenever an intervening object appears to drift near a background star, light from the star curve passes through space-time, distorted around nearby objects.”

“If the alignment is particularly close, the distortion around the object behaves like a natural lens and can amplify the light of the background star.”

In MOA-2011-BLG-262, microlens signals revealed pairs of celestial bodies.

Astronomers have determined relative masses (one is about 2,300 times heavier than the other), but their exact mass depends on how far they are from the Earth.

“It's easy to determine the mass ratio,” said Dr. David Bennett, a senior research scientist at the Goddard Space Flight Center at the University of Maryland, College Park and NASA.

The MOA-2011-BLG-262 Discovery Team has a microlens object that is about 20% of the stars, about 29 times heavier than Earth, or Jupiter's mass with Exomoon. They suspected it was one of roughly four times more illicit planets.

To understand which explanations were more likely, Dr. Terry, Dr. Bennett and his colleagues searched data from the Keck Observatory in Hawaii and the Gaia satellite at the ESA.

If the pair are illegitimate Exoplanets and Exomoons, they will not look effective – dark objects lost in the black space of the universe.

Researchers discovered a strong suspect about 24,000 light years away and put it in the bulge of the Milky Way galaxy.

By comparing the position of the stars in 2011 and 2021, they calculated its speed.

But that's its 2D motion. If it's heading towards us or away from us, it must be moving even faster.

Its true speed may increase to the galaxy's escape speed exceeding 600 km/s (1.3 million mph) per second.

If so, the planetary system is destined to traverse intergalactic space for millions of years to come.

“To make sure the newly identified star is part of the system that caused the 2011 signal, we looked again in another year and it moved the right amount and moved in the right direction. And I want to see where it is. We've detected a signal,” Dr. Bennett said.

“If a high-resolution observation indicates that the stars remain in the same position, it can be sure that it is not part of the system that caused the signal,” says Aparna Bhatacharya at the University of Maryland. The doctor said. College Park and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

“That means the Rogue Planet and the Exomoon model are preferred.”

Team's paper It was released this week Astronomy Journal.

____

Sean K. Terry et al. 2025. A candidate high-speed peeling system for galaxy swelling. AJ 169, 131; doi:10.3847/1538-3881/ad9b0f

Source: www.sci.news

New Discovery: Long-period Giant Exoplanet Found in Multiplanetary System WASP-132

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

WASP-132 is a unique multiplanet system in that both the inner rocky planet and the newly discovered outer giant planet are in a system that includes a hot Jupiter planet. This suggests that hot Jupiter migrated via a rare dynamically cooled mechanism and helps further our understanding of how hot Jupiter systems form and evolve. .

The WASP-132 system includes hot Jupiter (in the foreground), an inner super-Earth (passing in front of the orange host star), and the cold planet WASP-132d. Image credit: Thibaut Roger, University of Geneva.

A hot Jupiter is a planet with a mass similar to Jupiter, but it orbits closer to its star than Mercury, which orbits the Sun.

Because there is not enough gas or dust for these giant planets to form where they are observed, the established theory is that they originate far from their stars and are not planets. They move inward as the system evolves.

Until now, it was thought that hot Jupiter was orbiting the star alone, as other planets in the system were ejected as it moved toward the star.

Two extra planets in the WASP-132 planetary system now cast doubt on this theory.

“The WASP-132 system is an excellent laboratory for studying the formation and evolution of multiplanetary systems,” said Dr. François Bouchy, an astronomer at the Geneva Observatory.

“The discovery of hot Jupiters alongside inner super-Earths and distant giants challenges our understanding of the formation and evolution of these systems.”

“This is the first time I have observed such a configuration.”

Hot Jupiter WASP-132b orbits its parent star every 7.1 days. Super Earth WASP-132c orbits the star in just 24 hours and 17 minutes.

The newly discovered ice giant, named WASP-132d, will orbit its host star for five years.

Dr David Armstrong from the University of Warwick said: “Finding planets inside the hot interior of Jupiter is particularly rare, so the detection of an inner super-Earth was exciting.”

“We conducted an intensive campaign using state-of-the-art instruments to characterize its mass, density and composition, revealing a planet with a similar density to Earth.”

“The discovery of this planet adds further complexity to the WASP-132 system, as the movement of hot Jupiter towards the host star due to dynamic perturbations destabilizes the orbits of the other two planets.”

“This suggests a more stable, ‘cooler’ migration path for hot Jupiter in the protoplanetary disk that surrounds young stars and is the site of planet formation.”

Regarding this discovery, paper Published in today’s magazine astronomy and astrophysics.

_____

nolan greaves others. 2025. Discovery of a cold giant planet and measurement of the mass of a hot super-Earth in the multiplanetary system WASP-132. A&A 693, A144; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202348177

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists find a new exoplanet in Kepler-51 system

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Kepler-51 is a 500-million-year-old G-type star that hosts four low-density planets. new paper Published in astronomy magazine.

This diagram shows the Kepler-51 planetary system. Image credit: NASA / ESA / L. Hustak, J. Olmsted, D. Player & F. Summers, STScI.

Kepler-51 It is located approximately 2,615 light years away in the constellation Cygnus.

The star, also known as KOI-620, was already known to host three Saturn-sized “superpuff” exoplanets: Kepler-51b, c, and d.

First discovered by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope in 2012, these worlds have orbital period ratios close to 1:2:3 (45, 85, and 130 days, respectively).

It is several times more massive than Earth and has a hydrogen/helium atmosphere.

“Superpuff planets are very unusual in that they have very low masses and very low densities,” says Penn State astronomer Jessica Libby Roberts.

“The three planets known so far orbiting the star Kepler-51 are about the same size as Saturn, but only a few times the mass of Earth, making them as dense as cotton candy. ”

“We think they have small cores and huge atmospheres of helium hydrogen, but we don't know how these strange planets formed and how their atmospheres developed. It remains a mystery why the star was not blown away by the intense radiation of the young star.

“We had planned to use Webb to study one of these planets to answer these questions, but now we have to describe the fourth, low-mass planet in the system.”

To examine evidence of Kepler-51e, the fourth planet in the system, astronomers conducted extensive passes over 14 years from a variety of facilities, including the Webb, Apache Point Observatory telescopes, and Penn State Davey Laboratory telescopes. We utilized a timing dataset.

“We conducted a so-called 'brute force' search, testing different combinations of planet properties to find a four-planet model that explains all transit data collected over the past 14 years.” said Kento Masuda, an astronomer at Osaka University.

“We found that the signal is best explained if Kepler-51e has a mass similar to the other three planets and follows a fairly circular orbit of about 264 days. That's to be expected.”

“Other possible solutions we've found include larger planets in wider orbits, but we think that's unlikely.”

It is unclear whether Kepler-51e is also a superpuff planet, as researchers have not observed Kepler-51e transiting the Sun and therefore cannot calculate its radius or density.

According to the team, a wide range of demographics (

“Superpuff planets are fairly rare, and when they do occur, they tend to be unique in planetary systems,” said Penn State astronomer Jessica Libby Roberts.

“If explaining how three superpuffs formed in one star system wasn't enough of a challenge, now we have to explain a fourth planet, whether it's a superpuff or not. And we can't rule out the possibility that there are more planets in this system.”

“Kepler-51e's orbit is slightly larger than Venus and just inside the star's habitable zone, so there could be a lot more going on beyond that distance if we take the time to look.”

“Continuing to observe variations in transit timing could help us discover planets further away from their stars, which could aid in the search for planets that may harbor life.”

_____

Kento Masuda others. 2024. The fourth planet in the Kepler-51 system revealed by fluctuations in transit timing. A.J. 168, 294; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ad83d3

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Uncover the Newest Transiting Exoplanet

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have discovered a transiting exoplanet, named IRAS 04125+2902b, orbiting a 3 million-year-old, 0.7 solar mass protostar in the Taurus Molecular Cloud.

Artistic interpretation of the IRAS 04125+2902 system. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / R. Hurt & K. Miller, Caltech & IPAC.

The radius of IRAS 04125+2902b is 0.96 the radius of Jupiter, and the mass is

This giant exoplanet, also known as TIDYE-1b, orbits its parent star. IRAS 04125+2902once every 8.83 days.

The system is located approximately 522 light-years away in the constellation Taurus.

it is part of Taurus Molecular Cloudan active star nursery with hundreds of newborn stars.

“IRAS 04125+2902b casts doubt on previous theories about the rate of planet formation,” said astronomer Madison Barber of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and colleagues.

“While Earth took 10 to 20 million years to form, this exoplanet emerged in just 3 million years and orbits its star almost every week.”

“When we discover planets like this, we can look back into the past and get a glimpse of how planets formed.”

First detected by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), IRAS 04125+2902b is the newest known transiting planet.

The discovery sheds light on potential differences between our solar system and planetary systems that host nearby giant planets, such as IRAS 04125+2902b, and provides greater context about our own cosmic neighborhood. We provide.

Additionally, because the planet is still within a disk of nascent material, scientists will be able to study its formation up close, opening up new avenues of research.

Follow-up research will analyze how the planet's atmosphere compares to the surrounding disk material, providing clues about its journey into a compressed orbit.

Astronomers will also investigate whether IRAS 04125+2902b is still growing through accretion of material, or whether it may have lost its upper atmosphere to its host star.

“Planets typically form from flat disks of dust and gas, which is why the planets in our solar system are arranged in a 'pancake-flat' arrangement,” says the Young World Institute's said lead researcher and astronomer Dr. Andrew Mann. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“But here the disk is tilted and out of alignment with both the planet and its star. This is a surprising twist that calls into question our current understanding of how planets form.”

This finding is reported in the following article: paper Published in today's magazine nature.

_____

MG Barber others. 2024. A giant planet passing through a 3 million meter protostar with a misaligned disk. nature 635, 574-577; doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-08123-3

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists discover new exoplanet near Barnard Star that is smaller than Earth

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

An exoplanet with at least half the mass of Venus orbits Barnard's Star, the closest single star to the Sun, once every 3.15 days.

Artist's impression of Bernard B. Image credit: ESO / M. Kornmesser.

Barnard's Star is a 10 billion year old red dwarf star located in the constellation Ophiuchus.

At a distance of about 6 light years, it is the second closest star to the Sun after the Alpha Centauri triple star system.

The star, also known as Gliese 699 or GJ 699, is much smaller than the Sun and is classified as an M3.5 dwarf.

Despite the prospect of a “super-Earth” with a mass 3.2 times that of Earth in 2018, no planets have ever been confirmed to orbit this star.

The new exoplanet discovery is the result of five years of observations using the ESPRESSO instrument of ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the Paranal Observatory in Chile.

“We were always confident that we would find something, even if it took a long time,” said Dr. Jonay González Hernández, an astronomer at the Canarias Astronomical Institute.

The newly discovered planet, named Barnard b, is about 20 times closer to Barnard's star than Mercury is to the Sun.

It orbits its parent star in 3.15 Earth days and has a surface temperature of about 125 degrees Celsius (257 degrees Fahrenheit).

“Bernard B is one of the lowest-mass exoplanets known, and one of the few exoplanets known to have less mass than Earth,” said Dr. González-Hernández. Ta.

“But this planet is too close to its host star, closer than the habitable zone.”

“Even though this star is about 2,500 degrees cooler than the Sun, it's still too hot to support liquid water on its surface.”

In addition to the confirmed planet, astronomers also discovered hints of three more exoplanet candidates orbiting the same star.

However, additional observations are required to confirm these candidates.

“We need to continue observing this star to confirm other candidate signals,” said Dr. Alejandro Suárez Mascareño, also from the Canarias Astronomical Institute and co-author of the study.

“But the discovery of this planet, along with previous discoveries such as Proxima b and Proxima d, shows that our cosmic backyard is full of low-mass planets.”

Bernard B's findings were published in a. paper in diary astronomy and astrophysics.

_____

JI Gonzalez Hernandez others. 2024. A sub-Earth mass planet orbiting Barnard's star. A&A 690, A79; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202451311

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists find a young exoplanet with a hot Jupiter in a highly eccentric retrograde orbit

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet that’s five times the mass of Jupiter and follows a very unusual orbit around its star.

Artist’s impression of TIC 241249530b. Image courtesy of NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / J. da Silva, Spaceengine.

TIC 241249530b was first detected in January 2020 by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS).

To confirm that the object is a planet, astronomers used two instruments on NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory’s WIYN 3.5-meter telescope, a program of NOIRLab.

They first harnessed the NN-EXPLORE Exoplanet and Stellar Speckle Imager (NESSI) with a technique that “freezes” atmospheric glitter, eliminating extraneous light sources that could confuse the signal source.

The team then used the NEID spectrometer to carefully observe how the host star’s spectrum, or the wavelengths of light it emits, changes as a result of the exoplanet orbiting TIC 241249530b, and measure the radial velocity of TIC 241249530b.

“NESSI provided much sharper images of the star than was possible with any other method, while NEID precisely measured the star’s spectrum and detected changes in response to the exoplanet orbiting it,” said Dr. Arvind Gupta, a postdoctoral researcher at NOIRLab.

“The unique flexibility of NEID’s observing schedule framework allows the team to quickly adjust their observing plans in response to new data.”

Analysis of the spectrum confirmed that TIC 241249530b has a mass about five times that of Jupiter.

The spectrum also revealed that the exoplanet orbits along a highly eccentric, or elongated, orbit.

The eccentricity of a planet’s orbit is measured on a scale from 0 to 1, with 0 representing a perfectly circular orbit and 1 representing an elliptical orbit.

The exoplanet’s orbital eccentricity is 0.94, higher than any exoplanet discovered so far by the transit method.

By comparison, Pluto orbits the Sun in an elliptical orbit with an eccentricity of 0.25. Earth’s eccentricity is 0.02.

If the planet were part of the solar system, its orbit would stretch from its closest point, ten times closer to the Sun than Mercury, to its farthest point, about the same distance as Earth.

This extreme orbit would cause the planet’s temperatures to vary from mild to hot enough to melt titanium.

In addition to the unusual nature of the exoplanet’s orbit, the team also discovered that it orbits in a retrograde direction, meaning it moves in the opposite direction to the rotation of its host star.

This is a phenomenon astronomers have not seen in most other exoplanets or in our own solar system, and it helps the research team interpret the history of exoplanet formation.

The exoplanet’s unique orbital properties also hint at its future trajectory.

Because its initial orbit is highly eccentric and it is so close to the star, the planet’s orbit is expected to become “circular” because the planet’s tidal forces will sap energy from the orbit, causing it to gradually shrink and become circular.

Discovering this exoplanet before this migration occurs is valuable because it will give us important insight into how hot Jupiters form, stabilize, and evolve over time.

“While we can’t hit the rewind button and watch the planetary migration process in real time, this exoplanet serves as a kind of snapshot of the migration process,” Dr Gupta said.

“Planets like this are extremely rare and hard to find, so we hope they will help shed light on how hot Jupiters form.”

“We’re particularly interested in what we can learn about the dynamics of the planet’s atmosphere after it gets so close to its star,” said Professor Jason Wright of Pennsylvania State University.

“With telescopes like the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope having the sensitivity to study atmospheric changes on newly discovered exoplanets undergoing rapid heating, there is still much more for research teams to learn about exoplanets.”

TIC 241249530b is the second exoplanet discovered so far that represents the pre-transitional stage of a hot Jupiter.

Together, these two examples provide observational support for the idea that high-mass gas giants evolve into hot Jupiters as they move from highly eccentric orbits to tighter, more circular orbits.

“Astronomers have been searching for exoplanets for over 20 years that could be precursors to hot Jupiters or intermediate products in the migration process, so I was very surprised and excited to find one – it’s exactly what I was hoping to find,” Dr Gupta said.

Team paper Published in today’s journal Nature.

_____

Arvind Gupta others2024. Hot Jupiter ancestor on a highly eccentric retrograde orbit. Naturein press; doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07688-3

This article is a version of a press release provided by NOIRLab.

Source: www.sci.news

Exoplanet LHS 1140b in the Habitable Zone: Could it be a Snowball or Waterworld?

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

LHS 1140b is the second-closest temperate transiting exoplanet to Earth, with temperatures cold enough for liquid water to exist on its surface.

LHS 1140b could be a completely icy world, like Jupiter's moon Europa (left), or it could be an icy world with a liquid ocean and cloud-like atmosphere (centre). Image courtesy of B. Gougeon / University of Montreal.

LHS 1140 is a cool, low-mass star located about 39 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cetus.

Also known as Gliese 3053, GJ 3053 and 2MASS J00445930-1516166, the star is about one-fifth the size of our Sun and is about 5 billion years old.

LHS 1140 is known to be home to three exoplanets: LHS 1140b, LHS 1140c, and LHS 1140d.

Earlier this year, astronomers reported new mass and radius estimates for LHS 1140b with extraordinary precision, matching estimates for the better-known TRAPPIST-1 planet: 1.7 times the size and 5.6 times the mass of Earth.

One of the key questions about LHS 1140b was whether it was a mini-Neptune-type exoplanet or a super-Earth.

The latter scenario included the possibility of the existence of so-called Hythean worlds with global liquid oceans enveloped in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, which would show a clear atmospheric signal observable using Webb.

Analysis of Webb's new observations completely rules out the mini-Neptune scenario and provides compelling evidence suggesting that exoplanet LHS 1140b is a super-Earth, possibly with a nitrogen-rich atmosphere.

If confirmed, this result would make LHS 1140b the first temperate planet to show evidence of a secondary atmosphere that formed after the planet's initial formation.

Estimates based on all the accumulated data suggest that LHS 1140b is less dense than expected for a rocky planet with an Earth-like composition, and that 10-20% of its mass may be made up of water.

The discovery indicates that LHS 1140b is a fascinating watery world, possibly similar to a snowball or ice planet, and the planet's expected synchronous rotation means that a region of the planet's surface could always harbor a liquid ocean at its substellar point, facing the system's host star.

Artist's impression of planetary system LHS 1140. Image courtesy of Sci.News.

“Among the currently known temperate exoplanets, LHS 1140b may be the best candidate for future indirect confirmation of the existence of liquid water on the surface of an alien world outside our solar system,” said Charles Cadieux, a doctoral student at the University of Montreal.

“This will be a major milestone in the search for potentially habitable exoplanets.”

Although still preliminary, the presence of a nitrogen-rich atmosphere on LHS 1140b suggests that the planet could retain a significant amount of atmosphere, creating the conditions for liquid water to exist. This finding makes the water-world/snowball scenario the most plausible.

Current models suggest that if LHS 1140b had an Earth-like atmosphere, it would be a snowball planet with a huge bull's-eye shaped ocean about 4,000 km in diameter, equivalent to half the surface area of the Atlantic Ocean.

Surface temperatures in the core of this alien ocean could reach a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius.

LHS 1140b has favorable conditions for a potential atmosphere and liquid water, making it an excellent candidate for future habitability studies.

“The planet provides a unique opportunity to study worlds that could potentially support life, as it is located in the habitable zone of its star and likely has an atmosphere capable of retaining heat and supporting a stable climate,” the astronomers said.

Team paper will be published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

_____

Charles Cadieux others2024. Transmission spectroscopy of the habitable zone exoplanet LHS 1140b with JWST/NIRISS. Apu JL,in press; arXiv:2406.15136

Source: www.sci.news

Super-Earth exoplanet found within habitable zone of TOI-715 by astronomers

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Using data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), astronomers discovered a habitable zone planet orbiting nearby red dwarf star TOI-715 every 19.3 days and characterized its characteristics. I made it clear. They also demonstrated that a second, smaller exoplanet with a period of 25.6 days may exist, located just inside the outer edge of TOI-715’s habitable zone. This system represents the first of his TESS discoveries to fall within this most conservative and widely applicable habitable zone.

Artist’s impression of the super-Earth exoplanet TOI-715b. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

TOI-715 is an M dwarf star of spectral type M4 located approximately 137 light-years away in the constellation Urae.

The star, also known as TIC 271971130, is about 6.6 billion years old, making it older than the Sun.

TOI-715 includes the super-Earth exoplanet TOI-715b and the smaller terrestrial exoplanet candidate TOI-715c.

“TOI-715b is about 1.5 times wider than Earth and orbits within the habitable zone around its parent star,” said Georgina Dransfield, an astronomer at the University of Birmingham.

“This is the distance from the star that can give the planet the right temperature for liquid water to form on its surface.”

“Of course, for surface water to exist, several other factors have to be in place, especially for us to have a suitable atmosphere.”

“However, the conservative habitable zone (which may be narrower and more robustly defined than the broader ‘optimistic’ habitable zone) is a It ranks first.”

“A smaller planet, TOI-715c, may be only slightly larger than Earth and may exist just inside the conservative habitable zone.”

“TOI-175b joins the list of habitable zone planets that could be scrutinized more closely by Webb, perhaps also for atmospheric signatures,” the astronomers said.

“A lot depends on other properties of the planet, such as how heavy it is and whether it can be classified as a water world. Its atmosphere, if any at all, is more massive, denser, and has an atmosphere. It’s less pronounced than the atmosphere, and much less difficult to detect. Drier worlds are likely to keep their inconspicuous atmospheres close to the surface.”

“If the possibility of a second Earth-sized planet in this system is confirmed, it would be the smallest habitable zone planet ever discovered by TESS.”

“This discovery also exceeds TESS’s initial expectations by discovering an Earth-sized world within the habitable zone.”

This finding is reported in the following article: paper inside Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.

_____

Georgina Dransfield other. 2024. Earth's habitable zone planet hosted by the M4 star TOI-715 near the ecliptic south pole. MNRAS 527 (1): 35-52; doi: 10.1093/mnras/stad1439

Source: www.sci.news

Exoplanet similar in size to Earth found orbiting around star HD 63433

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized planet passing by the young Sun-like star HD 63433.

HD 63433d is located close to its parent star HD 63433, with two neighboring mini-Neptune-sized planets HD 63433b and HD 63433c orbiting further out. Image credit: Alyssa Jankowski.

HD 63433 is a G5V star located approximately 73 light years away in the constellation Gemini.

The star, also known as TOI-1726, is a member of the 414-million-year-old Moving Star Group in the Ursa Major constellation.

The newly discovered exoplanet HD 63433d is the third planet detected in this multi-planet system.

The discovery of two other planets — HD 63433b and HD 63433c (both mini-Neptunes) report By Astronomer in 2020.

The HD 63433d is tidally locked, meaning it has a day side that is always facing the stars and a side that is always in the dark.

The planet has an orbital period of 4.2 days and is very hot on its dayside (1,257 degrees Celsius, or 2,294 degrees Fahrenheit).

“These scorching temperatures are comparable to the lava world of: Corot-7b and Kepler-10bAnd we think the dayside of this planet may be a 'lava hemisphere,''' said the University of Florida astronomer. benjamin capistrant and his colleagues.

HD 63433d is the smallest known exoplanet less than 500 million years old.

The planet is also the closest Earth-sized exoplanet to be discovered at such a young age.

“HD 63433d is the closest planet to our solar system, orbiting a young star with a radius similar to Earth,” the astronomers said.

“This is therefore an attractive target for follow-up observations and provides an opportunity to uncover insights into the physics of atmospheric mass loss in exoplanets.”

“Between HD 63433d and the two larger planets known to date, the HD 63433 system is poised to play a key role in understanding the evolution of planetary systems during the first billion years after their formation. I am.”

The discovery of HD 63433d is paper inside astronomy magazine.

_____

Benjamin K. Capistrant other. 2024. TESS Search for Young and Mature Exoplanets (THYME). 11. An Earth-sized planet orbiting a nearby Sun-like host in the 400 million Ursa Majoris migration group. A.J. 167, 54; doi: 10.3847/1538-3881/ad1039

Source: www.sci.news

Mondo News

All of the latest tech and science news from all over the world.

Tag Archives: exoplanet

Exciting Discovery: Earth-Sized Exoplanet Found Orbiting Nearby Star

ALMA Achieves Best-Ever Image of Exoplanet Debris Disk

How Quantum Computers Could Enhance Exoplanet Imaging for Clearer Views

Discover Chile: The Global Hub of Astronomy

An Unusual Lemon-Shaped Exoplanet That Challenges Planet Formation Theories

Webb Discovers Unique Helium and Carbon-Rich Atmosphere on Exoplanet Orbiting Pulsar

Astronomers Develop 3D Temperature Map of the Exoplanet WASP-18b

Webb Investigates the Atmosphere of Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e in Its Habitable Zone

Images of Giant Exoplanet Candidates in Alpha Centauri’s Habitable Zone

The Indicators of Alien Life on Exoplanet K2-18b Have Nearly Vanished

World Capital of Astronomy: Chile

Recently Discovered Exoplanet Triggers Flares on Its Host Star

Giant Exoplanet Discovered Orbiting Low-Mass Star TOI-6894

Strange vertical orbits of an exoplanet observed around a binary brown dwarf system

Strange X-ray Emissions from a Remote White Dwarf Destroy a Devastated Exoplanet

Astronomers Possibly Found the Swiftest Exoplanet System on Record

New Discovery: Long-period Giant Exoplanet Found in Multiplanetary System WASP-132

Scientists find a new exoplanet in Kepler-51 system

Astronomers Uncover the Newest Transiting Exoplanet

Scientists discover new exoplanet near Barnard Star that is smaller than Earth

Scientists find a young exoplanet with a hot Jupiter in a highly eccentric retrograde orbit

Exoplanet LHS 1140b in the Habitable Zone: Could it be a Snowball or Waterworld?

Super-Earth exoplanet found within habitable zone of TOI-715 by astronomers

Exoplanet similar in size to Earth found orbiting around star HD 63433