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Astronomers have revealed, for the first time, a possible radio signal from a distant exoplanet.
Astronomers announced the discovery for the first time of a potential radio signal from a distant exoplanet, and described this discovery as “a new method for examining space worlds.”
Astronomers, scanning the night sky with an array of radio telescopes, tracked the radio pulse to the howling constellation to the north. Initial evidence indicates that the signal originates from a lone planet orbiting a Tau Bootes double star system (spectral hydrogen fusion stars F).
If confirmed, this discovery will be the first time that a radio explosion has been detected from a planet far beyond the reach of our solar system.
The groundbreaking discovery was led by researchers at Cornell University in the United States, who presented their findings in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics on December 16.
“We present one of the first indications of an exoplanet discovered in a radio field,” said postdoctoral researcher Jake de Turner of Cornell University. The signal comes from the Tau Bootes system, which contains a binary star and an exoplanet. We support the theory of emissions from the planet itself. “
“The strength and polarization of the radio signal and the planet’s magnetic field are consistent with theoretical predictions,” he added.
The radio signal was returned to this planet using a Low Frequency Radio Telescope (LOFAR) in the Netherlands.
Astronomers have also observed additional radio emissions from the Cancri 55 (Cancer 55 e) system and the Upsilon Andromedae system.
“If this is confirmed by follow-up observations, this radio discovery opens a new window on exoplanets, giving us a new way to examine space worlds that extend up to tens of light years,” said Ray Jayawardhana, postdoctoral consultant and professor of astronomy. at Cornell University. .
The Tau Bootes system is located approximately 51 light years from our home planet. The system is home to the so-called hot planet Jupiter, a Jupiter-like gas giant that orbits its star closely.
Unfortunately for optimistic aliens fans, the discovery does not mean that aliens are trying to contact us.
Instead, radio bursts shed light on the unique magnetic field of hot Jupiter.
According to the US space agency NASA, astronomical objects with variable magnetic fields can produce radio waves.
But the ability to study a planet’s magnetic field through these emissions could shed light on the potential to host life.
Magnetic fields, like those on Earth, protect planets from harmful cosmic phenomena such as space radiation and solar winds.
Dr Turner said: “The magnetic field of Earth-like exoplanets can contribute to the possibility of supporting life, by protecting their atmosphere from solar winds and cosmic rays, and protecting the planet from the loss of the atmosphere.”
The search for this radio explosion began two years ago when astronomers examined Jupiter’s radio emissions.
The team then began to expand the range of the data to mimic potential signals from Jupiter-like worlds located 100 light-years away.
Then, after examining nearly 100 hours of radio observations, a potential signal was detected at Tau Bootes.
“We learned from our planet Jupiter what this kind of discovery is like,” Dr. Turner said. We went looking for it and we found it ”.
However, the researcher noted that the signal is weak and there is still some ambiguity about its source.
Astronomers are now making follow-up observations using multiple radio telescopes. “There is still some uncertainty that the detected radio signal is from the planet,” Dr. Turner said. The need for follow-up notes is critical, ”according to Express.
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