Articles tagged with Exoplanets
A team of scientists simulated over 200,000 hypothetical Earth-like worlds to understand the types of environments astronomers can expect to find on real exoplanets. They found that in 90% of cases with liquid water on the surface, there are no ice sheets, but rather permanent ice belts along the equator.
Fatima Bagheri, a doctoral student in physics at the University of Texas at Arlington, has received a $200,000 National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. She plans to investigate exoplanets' magnetic fields and their potential ability to support life, building on her previous research on geomagnetic storms.
A team of scientists measured the masses of two young giant planets in a 20 million-year-old system, finding they reached their final size at an early stage of evolution. This challenges current models, suggesting that giant planets can contract and mature rapidly.
Astronomers have discovered an ultra-short-period planet GJ 367 b, which orbits its star in just eight hours and has a radius of 72% that of Earth. The planet's mass is 55% of the Earth's, indicating it likely has an iron-rich core, similar to Mercury's interior.
Researchers used TRAPPIST-1's harmonious orbits to determine the impact history of its seven Earth-sized planets. The study found that these planets could have withstood only limited late bombardment, implying a relatively small amount of water arrived on time for potential life.
The discovery of hundreds of new exoplanets is a significant advance in understanding how planets form and orbits evolve. A notable finding includes a planetary system with two gas giant planets, each roughly the size of Saturn, located unusually close to their host star.
Astronomers have discovered an ultrahot Jupiter, TOI-2109b, with a record-breaking 16-hour orbit. The planet is estimated to be around 5 times the size of Jupiter and has a day side temperature of approximately 3,500 Kelvin.
The University of Sydney's project searches for Earth-like planets around Alpha Centauri to determine if life could survive there. The team is using advanced telescope technology to analyze the stars' atmospheres and detect signs of life.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new type of exoplanet known as 'eggshell planets,' which are likely to have little topography and no plate tectonics. These planets may resemble the lowlands on Venus, with vast expanses of lava but little high-standing terrain.
Researchers detected a planet in a 200-day orbit around two stars using TESS data from just one sector over 27 days. The discovery was made possible by observing the planet's transits and eclipses, providing new insights into circumbinary planets.
A new study suggests that most nearby rocky exoplanets are quite unlike anything in our Solar System, with diverse and exotic rock types not found anywhere. The research uses the chemical composition of 'polluted' white dwarfs to estimate the rock types on planets orbiting nearby stars.
Researchers developed a holographic lens that can focus light onto a single point or disperse it into its constituent colors, producing a spectrum of pure colors. The new method uses two sources of light to create a super spectral resolution optical element for detecting exoplanets with high resolution.
Researchers used Hubble Space Telescope observations and theoretical models to study a broader population of hot Jupiters. The study provides insight into planet formation and suggests that these planets contain similar sets of molecules, including water and carbon monoxide.
The special issue covers observations of exoplanet geology, composition, atmosphere, and potential habitability. SwRI researchers Dr. Natalie Hinkel and Dr. Cayman Unterborn collaborated with Dr. Oliver Shorttle to create a diverse overview of exoplanets, making it accessible to a wide community of scientists.
The discovery of ionized calcium on the exoplanet WASP-76b suggests that its atmospheric temperature is higher than previously thought or that it has very strong upper atmosphere winds. The research findings are from a multiyear project exploring the diversity of planetary atmospheres using high-resolution spectra obtained with Gemini ...
Researchers identified a potential circumtriple planet in the star system GW Ori, with implications for our understanding of planet formation. The discovery, made using ALMA telescope observations, suggests that planet formation may be more active than previously thought.
Researchers warn that future exoplanet direct-imaging missions need to make multiple observations to differentiate between planets. In 36% of solar systems, an Earth-like planet can be misidentified with a Mercury-like planet, and in 72% of cases, it could be mistaken for a Venus-like planet.
Clouds have been detected on the distant exoplanet WASP-127b, and their altitude has been measured for the first time. The observations reveal that water vapor is present at lower levels but screened by clouds opaque to visible light, while sodium is found in an unexpected place.
Physicist Diana Valencia and planetary scientist Lena Noack were awarded the 2021 Paolo Farinella Prize for their significant contributions to understanding terrestrial and super-Earth exoplanets. Their work has led to a deeper understanding of Earth-like exoplanet composition and evolution, critical for assessing habitability.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that Mars' small size limits its habitability due to a lack of retained volatiles. Researchers used potassium isotopes to determine the presence and abundance of volatile elements on Mars, finding a correlation between body size and volatile composition.
The Ariel Machine Learning Data Challenge has announced its winners, ML Analytics and TU Dortmund University, who developed highly accurate solutions for observing exoplanet atmospheres despite instrument noise. The winning teams will receive a cash prize of €500 and present their research at various conferences.
Astronomers have identified a new class of habitable exoplanets dubbed 'Hycean' which are hot and ocean-covered with hydrogen-rich atmospheres, potentially supporting microbial life. These planets offer a wider habitable zone than Earth-like planets, making them promising candidates for finding biosignatures of life.
A new study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society found that superflares on red dwarf stars occur at high latitudes, near the star's poles, which means they are not directed towards orbiting exoplanets. This reduces the danger to planetary atmospheres and habitability.
Researchers at the Center for Astrophysics have detected a clear presence of a moon-forming region around exoplanet PDS 70c, one of two giant planets orbiting a star nearly 400 light-years away. The disk surrounding PDS 70c has enough mass to form up to three satellites the size of the Moon.
The newly launched NEID spectrometer will measure the minute gravitational tug of planets on their host stars, enabling the detection of rocky planets and characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres. By utilizing this technology, scientists aim to push the boundaries for searching smaller exoplanets and probing beyond past challenges.
A laboratory study reveals that haze particles produced under different conditions have varying properties, determining the clarity of an exoplanet's atmosphere. Haze removal depends on surface energy, with particles having high surface energy being easily removed and resulting in clear skies.
Astronomers using the CHEOPS space telescope have detected a unique exoplanet, Nu2 Lupi d, which is 9 times the size of Earth and has masses between those of Earth and Neptune. The discovery reveals that the planet has a mild stellar radiation environment, making it an ideal target for studying its composition.
Astronomers using Gemini Observatory and WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope found 73 binary star systems among TESS exoplanet hosts, which could be hiding Earth-sized planets. The team discovered that small planets are harder to detect in binary systems due to glare from the companion star.
The CHEOPS satellite unexpectedly detected a third planet passing in front of its star, revealing details about a strange planet without a known equivalent. The exoplanet, Nu2 Lupi d, has a radius 2.5 times that of Earth and orbits its star with an orbital period of over 107 days.
The discovery of exoplanet Nu2 Lupi d reveals a rare planet with no known equivalent, with a mass 8.8 times that of Earth and a radius 2.5 times larger than our own. The planet's mild stellar radiation and long orbital period make it an attractive target for future study.
Researchers used Gaia eDR3 catalog data to determine which stars pass through the Earth Transit Zone over a 10,000-year period. This allows nearby star-systems to potentially detect Earth, with 1,715 systems having had this opportunity since human civilization began.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new model to detect magnetospheres in distant solar systems using nightside radio signals. This could provide valuable information about the characteristics of exoplanets, including their ability to protect themselves from solar winds.
The newly discovered exoplanet, TOI-1231 b, has a substantial atmosphere making it an attractive target for atmospheric studies. Its similarity in size and density to Neptune suggests it may have a large, gaseous atmosphere.
Researchers investigating the 'radius gap' in exoplanet sizes found that younger mini-Neptunes shrink drastically over billions of years, leaving behind solid cores and becoming super-Earths. As planets age, their gas is stripped away, shifting the radius gap between rocky super-Earths and larger, gas-shrouded planets.
Researchers detected a new chemical signature, hydroxyl radical (OH), on the dayside of WASP-33b, an ultra-hot Jupiter. The discovery provides insight into the chemistry of exoplanet atmospheres and could help search for 'Earth-like' planets.
Researchers propose using exoplanet temperatures as a new method for detecting dark matter. By analyzing the effect of dark matter on exoplanet temperatures, scientists hope to gain insights into this mysterious substance. The study suggests that exoplanets could be used to detect both light and dark matter.
Astronomers have identified six chemicals in the atmosphere of HD 209458b, a planet that formed far from its star before migrating to its current location. The discovery provides insights into planetary formation and could be used to detect signs of potentially habitable planets.
Researchers detected Gliese 486 b using both transit and radial velocity data, revealing its mass, radius, and density. The planet's equilibrium temperature of about 700 Kelvin makes it an ideal candidate to study its atmosphere and habitability.
A new microcomb technology has been developed by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, which can generate a wide range of optical frequencies with high precision. This technology has the potential to be used in various applications, including exoplanet discovery and disease diagnosis.
The team has determined the mass of a rocky planet around the nearby star Gliese 486 using MAROON-X's spectrometer. The exoplanet, called Gliese 486 b, is roughly three times the mass of Earth and has a similar density.
Scientists have discovered a super-Earth called Gliese 486b orbiting a nearby red dwarf star. The planet's composition is similar to that of Venus or Earth, with metallic nuclei inside it. Its atmosphere may be thin and hot, making it an ideal candidate for studying planetary atmospheres.
Tyler Robinson, a Northern Arizona University astronomer, has been recognized as a 2021 Cottrell Scholar for his outstanding academic leadership and research quality. He will receive a three-year $100,000 grant to advance his teaching and research, focusing on exoplanet atmospheres and undergraduate education.
Researchers have discovered a potential Earth-like planet in the Alpha Centauri star system using unprecedented sensitivity data collection methods. The team's findings suggest that this exoplanet may be located in a habitable zone where liquid water could form.
A team of scientists has discovered a planetary system with a backward-rotating star, K2-290, which exhibits stellar-planetary misalignment. The star's rotation is opposite to the planets' orbits, with a tilt of approximately 124° relative to their orbits.
New study by McGill University researchers reveals that super-Earths can form independently, without gas shells like mini-Neptunes. This contradicts previous theories and sheds new light on the mysterious origins of these exoplanets.
Astronomers at the Center for Astrophysics have detected a cloud-free exoplanet, WASP-62b, which is similar to Jupiter. The discovery was made using spectroscopy and revealed the presence of sodium in the planet's atmosphere. This finding provides valuable insights into the formation and composition of such rare planets.
Researchers found that WASP-107b's massive gas envelope could form easily with a less massive core than previously thought, contradicting classical models of gas-giant planet formation. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of exoplanet formation and the variety of planets in the universe.
A Northwestern University study discovered that stellar flares could play an important role in a planet's atmospheric evolution and habitability. Flares may drive a new chemical equilibrium in a planet's atmosphere, potentially making it easier to detect signs of life.
Researchers have detected a possible radio signal from the exoplanet in the Tau Boötes system using the Low Frequency Array. The signal suggests that the planet's magnetic field may be contributing to its habitability by shielding its atmosphere from solar wind and cosmic rays.
Researchers have discovered a binary system of brown dwarfs, orbiting each other at an unprecedented distance, with one object being similar in mass to Jupiter and the other about 8 times less massive. This rare find suggests that star formation processes can create binary systems like those found in our solar system on smaller scales.
Astronomers have measured the motion of a massive Jupiter-like planet in an unlikely orbit around a double star, sparking questions about its formation and evolution. The discovery offers evidence that such oddball orbits are possible and may hold clues to the mysterious Planet Nine in our solar system.
Astronomers have confirmed an exoplanet, HD 106906 b, with a highly eccentric orbit around its binary star, similar to the hypothetical Planet Nine. The planet's orbit is likely bound, and its presence suggests that distant planets can form within the first tens of millions of years of a star's life.
A team of astronomers has discovered the first cold brown dwarf using radio observations from the LOFAR telescope and Gemini North. The object, BDR J1750+3809, is a close cousin of Solar System planets like Jupiter and can be used to test theories predicting exoplanet magnetic fields.
The study predicts extreme weather conditions on K2-141b, including supersonic winds and rocky rains, which can be detected from hundreds of light years away with next-generation telescopes. The team also found that two-thirds of the exoplanet faces perpetual daylight, leading to frigid temperatures on the night side.
Researchers measured the spectrum of a rare hot Neptune exoplanet, revealing evidence of molecular absorption in its atmosphere. This detection provides clues on the origin of the planet and how it managed to hold onto its atmosphere.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have characterized the atmospheric makeup of LTT 9779b, a highly unusual hot Neptune discovered by NASA's TESS mission. The study reveals the planet's temperature and composition, shedding light on the formation of exoplanet atmospheres.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new 'photonic wavefront sensor' using AI and machine learning to correct atmospheric distortion, allowing for direct imaging of exoplanets from Earth. This innovation could revolutionize the study of exoplanets and their potential for life.
Astronomers have identified 1,004 main-sequence stars that might contain Earth-like planets in their habitable zones, all within 300 light-years of Earth. These exoplanets could detect signs of a biosphere in Earth's atmosphere.
A team of astronomers studied sunspots to characterize star conditions, which is crucial for finding exoplanets. The research aimed to create a single emission profile similar to other stars, allowing astronomers to identify dimming caused by exoplanet shadows.
Researchers demonstrate that high-resolution spectroscopy can detect water vapour and other chemicals in the atmospheres of exoplanets behind dense clouds. Models based on known exoplanets with clouds show promise for detecting trace species with just a few nights of observations.