Some burn with iron rain, others slice with glass storms, and even our nearest neighbours turn hostile. These exoplanets remind us that survival beyond Earth may not just be difficult, it may be impossible.

Some burn with iron rain, others slice with glass storms, and even our nearest neighbours turn hostile. These exoplanets remind us that survival beyond Earth may not just be difficult, it may be impossible.

Would you survive these planets? 6 horrifying worlds that kill with fire, glass and crushing pressure

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been peering into the world of an extremely young gas planet several light years from&nbsp;Earth. However, scientists don't have much time to learn about it as planet AF Lep b will soon vanish for the next 10 years.&nbsp;

The newly discovered exoplanet is only 23 million years old and is special because not a lot of young planets are commonly found. In comparison, our Earth is around 4.5 billion years old. Till now, over 5,700 exoplanets have been confirmed to exist in the universe.

The exoplanet is orbiting its star and will soon move extremely near to it, making it impossible to view AF Lep b for over a decade because of the brightness.

"AF Lep b is right at the inner edge of being detectable," said Kyle Franson, an astronomer and graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin.

The research team quickly applied for "Director’s Discretionary Time" from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, to get time with the Webb telescope and know more about the planet.&nbsp;

They zoomed into AF Lep b and published their findings in the peer-reviewed science publication The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

<h2>Planet AF Lep b has a 'very active atmosphere'</h2>

Webb's coronagraph is a useful tool that helps block the brightness of a nearby star to help observe a much fainter target. In the case of AF Lep b, the coronagraph blocked 90 per cent of the star's light.&nbsp;

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Scientists noted that it is located 88 light-years away.&nbsp;

The astronomers also found that AF Lep b is about three times the mass of Jupiter. It also has a "very active atmosphere", as hints of carbon monoxide have been detected. "The only way to get gas of that type into the planet’s upper atmosphere is with strong updrafts," William Balmer, a coauthor of the research at Johns Hopkins University, added.

The Webb telescope is a joint effort by NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency and aims to look into the initial years of the cosmos. It also studies planets and other bodies in our solar system.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been peering into the world of an extremely young gas planet several light years from Earth. However, scientists don't have much time to learn about it as planet AF Lep b will soon vanish for the next 10 years.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been peering into the world of an extremely young gas planet several light years from Earth. However, scientists don't have much time to learn about it as planet AF Lep b will soon vanish for the next 10 years. The newly discovered exoplanet is only 23 million years old and is special because not a lot of young planets are commonly found. In comparison, our Earth is around 4.5 billion years old. Till now, over 5,700 exoplanets have been confirmed to exist in the universe. The exoplanet is orbiting its star and will soon move extremely near to it, making it impossible to view AF Lep b for over a decade because of the brightness. "AF Lep b is right at the inner edge of being detectable," said Kyle Franson, an astronomer and graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin. The research team quickly applied for "Director’s Discretionary Time" from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, to get time with the Webb telescope and know more about the planet. They zoomed into AF Lep b and published their findings in the peer-reviewed science publication The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Planet AF Lep b has a 'very active atmosphere' Webb's coronagraph is a useful tool that helps block the brightness of a nearby star to help observe a much fainter target. In the case of AF Lep b, the coronagraph blocked 90 per cent of the star's light. Also Read: Mass extinction event that occurred 40 years back never happened. 'It's a miracle...' Scientists noted that it is located 88 light-years away. The astronomers also found that AF Lep b is about three times the mass of Jupiter. It also has a "very active atmosphere", as hints of carbon monoxide have been detected. "The only way to get gas of that type into the planet’s upper atmosphere is with strong updrafts," William Balmer, a coauthor of the research at Johns Hopkins University, added. The Webb telescope is a joint effort by NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency and aims to look into the initial years of the cosmos. It also studies planets and other bodies in our solar system.

Young planet oozing carbon monoxide will soon vanish

NASA has found six rogue planets roaming in space, bound to no star, indifferent to the laws of the universe. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) made the discovery, including one object that is one of the lightest such bodies ever found. It even has a dusty disk around it, indicating it might host its own moons and planets.

Looking at these rogue planets, astronomers believe that similar cosmic processes might be responsible for star formation and also for making objects that are only slightly larger than Jupiter.

The researchers say that the rogue planets hint at the likelihood that a cosmic body resembling a young Jupiter might have become a star instead under certain conditions.

Lead author Adam Langeveld, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University, said, “If you have an object that looks like a young Jupiter, is it possible that it could have become a star under the right conditions? This is important context for understanding both star and planet formation.”

JWST located the rogue planets in the young nebula NGC 1333. This star-forming cluster is located about a thousand light-years away in the Perseus constellation.&nbsp;

These gas giants have masses ranging from 5 to 10 times that of Jupiter. Most of them were likely formed in a similar fashion as stars and brown dwarfs, that is collapsing clouds of gas and dust. However, a body fails to turn into a star when hydrogen fusion doesn't happen, and it then slowly fades away.

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“We used Webb’s unprecedented sensitivity at infrared wavelengths to search for the faintest members of a young star cluster, seeking to address a fundamental question in astronomy: How light an object can form like a star?” said Johns Hopkins Provost Ray Jayawardhana.

“It turns out the smallest free-floating objects that form like&nbsp;stars overlap in mass with giant exoplanets circling nearby stars," the astrophysicist and senior author of the study added.

The discovery of a rogue planet with a disk around it indicates the presence of "mini planets" or moons. Study co-author Aleks Scholz, an astrophysicist at Scotland's University of St. Andrews, said that this means some of these tiny objects with masses close to "giant planets may themselves be able to form their own planets."

<h2>What are rogue planets?</h2>

Rogue planets are "free-floating planets" that are not bound by the gravitational pull of any star. Hence, these bodies do not orbit a star. The planets in our solar system are gravitationally bound to the sun. But rogue planets move through interstellar space as they wish. Their size can vary depending on various factors and they can be anywhere between the size of Earth or larger than Jupiter.

Some rogue planets form inside a solar system but are thrown out because of gravitational pulls being exerted by other planets or stars.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

NASA has found six rogue planets roaming in space, bound to no star, indifferent to the laws of the universe. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) made the discovery, including one object that is one of the lightest such bodies ever found.

NASA has found six rogue planets roaming in space, bound to no star, indifferent to the laws of the universe. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) made the discovery, including one object that is one of the lightest such bodies ever found. It even has a dusty disk around it, indicating it might host its own moons and planets. Looking at these rogue planets, astronomers believe that similar cosmic processes might be responsible for star formation and also for making objects that are only slightly larger than Jupiter. The researchers say that the rogue planets hint at the likelihood that a cosmic body resembling a young Jupiter might have become a star instead under certain conditions. Lead author Adam Langeveld, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University, said, “If you have an object that looks like a young Jupiter, is it possible that it could have become a star under the right conditions? This is important context for understanding both star and planet formation.” JWST located the rogue planets in the young nebula NGC 1333. This star-forming cluster is located about a thousand light-years away in the Perseus constellation. These gas giants have masses ranging from 5 to 10 times that of Jupiter. Most of them were likely formed in a similar fashion as stars and brown dwarfs, that is collapsing clouds of gas and dust. However, a body fails to turn into a star when hydrogen fusion doesn't happen, and it then slowly fades away. Also Read: Meteorite fell in South Africa this weekend for the first time in 50 years “We used Webb’s unprecedented sensitivity at infrared wavelengths to search for the faintest members of a young star cluster, seeking to address a fundamental question in astronomy: How light an object can form like a star?” said Johns Hopkins Provost Ray Jayawardhana. “It turns out the smallest free-floating objects that form like stars overlap in mass with giant exoplanets circling nearby stars," the astrophysicist and senior author of the study added. The discovery of a rogue planet with a disk around it indicates the presence of "mini planets" or moons. Study co-author Aleks Scholz, an astrophysicist at Scotland's University of St. Andrews, said that this means some of these tiny objects with masses close to "giant planets may themselves be able to form their own planets." What are rogue planets? Rogue planets are "free-floating planets" that are not bound by the gravitational pull of any star. Hence, these bodies do not orbit a star. The planets in our solar system are gravitationally bound to the sun. But rogue planets move through interstellar space as they wish. Their size can vary depending on various factors and they can be anywhere between the size of Earth or larger than Jupiter. Some rogue planets form inside a solar system but are thrown out because of gravitational pulls being exerted by other planets or stars.

Rogue planet with its own 'mini planets' and 'moons' found floating through space

Scientists have now figured out that 95 per cent of water present on any exoplanet may be trapped deep inside the planet's iron core, making it more potentially habitable.

"It is only in recent years that we have begun to realize that planets are more complex than we had thought. Planets&nbsp;are much more water-abundant than previously assumed," said Caroline Dorn, professor of&nbsp;exoplanets&nbsp;at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, in a&nbsp;statement.

Initially, they are made of hot worlds of oceans of molten magma which have not yet cooled. After cooling, they form a solid mantle of silicate bedrock.&nbsp;

In such magma oceans, water dissolves easily, unlike carbon dioxide, which outgasses and rises in the atmosphere.

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Dorn, along with Haiyang Luo and Jie Deng from Princeton University, investigated how the water gets distributed between the silicates and the&nbsp;iron.&nbsp;

Explaining the results of the study, Dorn said, "The iron core takes time to develop. A large share of the iron is initially contained in the hot magma soup in the form of droplets."&nbsp;

<h2>Here's how water enters the iron core of rocky planets</h2>

The water then combines with the iron droplets and carries them to the core. "The iron droplets behave like a lift that is conveyed downward by the water," Dorn said.

"This is one of the key results of our study. The larger the planet and the greater its mass, the more the water tends to go with the iron droplets and become integrated into the core. Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates. However, owing to the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer takes the form of H2O molecules but is present in hydrogen and oxygen," Dorn said.

Watch:&nbsp;Mercury's Diamonds: What lies beneath the planet's crust?&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mercurys-diamonds-what-lies-beneath-the-planets-crust-743204/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The scientists used a computer model to understand how water reacts with molten magma on a young planet and found that much of the water, even on super-earth, can end up in its interior.&nbsp;

"The larger the planet and the greater its mass, the more the water tends to go with the iron droplets and become integrated into the core," Dorn said.&nbsp;

"Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates. However, owing to the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer takes the form of H20 molecules but is present in hydrogen and oxygen. So if we find water in a planet's atmosphere, there is probably a great deal more in its interior," she explained.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have now figured out that 95 per cent of water present on any exoplanet may be trapped deep inside the planet's iron core, making it more potentially habitable.

Scientists have now figured out that 95 per cent of water present on any exoplanet may be trapped deep inside the planet's iron core, making it more potentially habitable. "It is only in recent years that we have begun to realize that planets are more complex than we had thought. Planets are much more water-abundant than previously assumed," said Caroline Dorn, professor of exoplanets at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, in a statement. Initially, they are made of hot worlds of oceans of molten magma which have not yet cooled. After cooling, they form a solid mantle of silicate bedrock. In such magma oceans, water dissolves easily, unlike carbon dioxide, which outgasses and rises in the atmosphere. Also Read: James Webb telescope captures one of the coldest exoplanets, 6 times the size of Jupiter, 12 light years away Dorn, along with Haiyang Luo and Jie Deng from Princeton University, investigated how the water gets distributed between the silicates and the iron. Explaining the results of the study, Dorn said, "The iron core takes time to develop. A large share of the iron is initially contained in the hot magma soup in the form of droplets." Here's how water enters the iron core of rocky planets The water then combines with the iron droplets and carries them to the core. "The iron droplets behave like a lift that is conveyed downward by the water," Dorn said. "This is one of the key results of our study. The larger the planet and the greater its mass, the more the water tends to go with the iron droplets and become integrated into the core. Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates. However, owing to the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer takes the form of H2O molecules but is present in hydrogen and oxygen," Dorn said. Watch: Mercury's Diamonds: What lies beneath the planet's crust? The scientists used a computer model to understand how water reacts with molten magma on a young planet and found that much of the water, even on super-earth, can end up in its interior. "The larger the planet and the greater its mass, the more the water tends to go with the iron droplets and become integrated into the core," Dorn said. "Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates. However, owing to the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer takes the form of H20 molecules but is present in hydrogen and oxygen. So if we find water in a planet's atmosphere, there is probably a great deal more in its interior," she explained. (With inputs from agencies)

Water on exoplanets? Earth-like planets may be holding water in molten cores

Is there life on another planet? Maybe yes, maybe not. The world needs proof to believe and scientists, who are intrigued with the gazillion possibilities of life on another planet, seek answers in space. Scientists have launched several space explorations and developed intricate technologies for alien-hunting missions, including ANDES.&nbsp;

ANDES, short for the ArmazoNes high Dispersion Echelle Spectrograph, is a powerful new instrument which is being developed to look for extraterrestrial life on distant planets. This cutting-edge technology aims at detecting signs of life on Earth-like exoplanets.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-new-breathtaking-video-of-marss-scarred-canyons-offers-insight-into-its-eventful-past-729680">Watch: New breathtaking video of Mars’s scarred canyons offers insight into its eventful past</a>&nbsp;

It will also focus on analysing chemical elements in faraway objects in the early universe. The instrument could also become the first instrument capable of detecting signatures of Population III stars, which are the earliest stars born in the universe.&nbsp;

Recently, a deal was finalised by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to develop and build this advanced instrument.

In a press release, Alessandro Marconi, ANDES principal investigator, said, "ANDES is an instrument with an enormous potential for groundbreaking scientific discoveries, which can deeply affect our perception of the Universe far beyond the small community of scientists."&nbsp;

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New milestone reached for ESO's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ELT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ELT</a>! 👏👏 
 
Today, ESO has signed an agreement with an international consortium of institutions for the design and construction of ANDES, one of the ELT instruments 🖊️ 1/ 
 
Read more: <a href="https://t.co/ATFIOGDw1F">https://t.co/ATFIOGDw1F</a> 
 
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/unusual-slow-spinning-radio-signal-from-space-breaks-all-rules-astronomers-puzzled-729614">Scientists hunting for origin of radio signal from deep space that flashes for an hour</a>&nbsp;

Notably, the scientists are planning to install the instrument on ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which is currently under construction in Chile's Atacama Desert. The telescope will be used to look for signs of life on other planets as well as the first stars.&nbsp;

The instrument will have record-high wavelength precision in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths of light. The findings will help researchers in vast astronomical fields, especially when combined with the ELT's strong mirror system.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Is there life on another planet? Maybe yes, maybe not. The world needs proof to believe and scientists, who are intrigued with the gazillion possibilities of life on another planet, seek answers in space.

Is there life on another planet? Maybe yes, maybe not. The world needs proof to believe and scientists, who are intrigued with the gazillion possibilities of life on another planet, seek answers in space. Scientists have launched several space explorations and developed intricate technologies for alien-hunting missions, including ANDES. ANDES, short for the ArmazoNes high Dispersion Echelle Spectrograph, is a powerful new instrument which is being developed to look for extraterrestrial life on distant planets. This cutting-edge technology aims at detecting signs of life on Earth-like exoplanets. Also read: Watch: New breathtaking video of Mars’s scarred canyons offers insight into its eventful past It will also focus on analysing chemical elements in faraway objects in the early universe. The instrument could also become the first instrument capable of detecting signatures of Population III stars, which are the earliest stars born in the universe. Recently, a deal was finalised by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to develop and build this advanced instrument. In a press release, Alessandro Marconi, ANDES principal investigator, said, "ANDES is an instrument with an enormous potential for groundbreaking scientific discoveries, which can deeply affect our perception of the Universe far beyond the small community of scientists." New milestone reached for ESO's #ELT! 👏👏 Today, ESO has signed an agreement with an international consortium of institutions for the design and construction of ANDES, one of the ELT instruments 🖊️ 1/ Read more: https://t.co/ATFIOGDw1F 📷 ESO pic.twitter.com/JRrW4tuQ7O — ESO (@ESO) June 5, 2024 × Also read: Scientists hunting for origin of radio signal from deep space that flashes for an hour Notably, the scientists are planning to install the instrument on ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which is currently under construction in Chile's Atacama Desert. The telescope will be used to look for signs of life on other planets as well as the first stars. The instrument will have record-high wavelength precision in the visible and near-infrared wavelengths of light. The findings will help researchers in vast astronomical fields, especially when combined with the ELT's strong mirror system. (With inputs from agencies)

World's largest telescope to have powerful technology to hunt 'alien' life

Astrophysicist and NASA's former scientist Lisa Kaltenegger surveyed the galaxy for her new book Alien Earths in which she hinted at the possibility of the existence of alien life in a water world dominated by octopus-like creatures, a planet which has a dark side where the sun never rises and a lava hell where the planet experiences molten rock rains from the sky.

Astrophysicist and NASA's former scientist Lisa Kaltenegger surveyed the galaxy for her new book Alien Earths in which she hinted at the possibility of the existence of alien life in a water world dominated by octopus-like creatures, a planet which has a dark side where the sun never rises and a lava hell where the planet experiences molten rock rains from the sky. The astrophysicist has documented dozens of exoplanets which orbit stars outside our solar system and have been classified as 'Earth-like' or 'potentially habitable'. In another work of hers, titled The Worlds That Shook Science, Kaltenegge said that astronomy breakthroughs made in the last three decades show that humans are living in "a completely new golden era of exploration". Also Read: Alien encounter in backyard of a Las Vegas house not fake, expert examiner says Since humans will need another 6.9 million years to get to the fastest man-made machine, Dr Kaltenegge said that the next goal of humanity will be to look out for the creativity required to detect as well as communicate with alien lifeforms. "I hope to convey just how difficult the search for alien life will be," said Dr Kaltenegger, in her book. "We might not even recognise it when it is staring us in the face," she added while speaking to The Daily Mail. Planet's light holds secrets of alien life? Scientists have discovered 5,000 planets outside of our solar system till now, since the first of these 'exoplanets', which was a gas giant named 'Dimidium', was first found in 1992. "Solving the puzzle of these new worlds requires using a wide range of tools like cultivating colourful biota in our biology lab [...] and reaching back into the long history of Earth's evolution for clues on what to search for," the researcher explained. Dr Kaltenegger said that for scientists, Earth will become 'our laboratory' where new ideas will be tested to understand how life evolves differently out in the galaxy. Watch: Strongest sign of alien found: The search for life beyond earth According to the researcher, the hints of the existence of extraterrestrial life on other planets are "written in a planet's light—if you know how to read it." She explained that when light from distant stars passes across the atmosphere of an exoplanet, then "the chemical makeup of the atmosphere of an alien world is encoded in the light that arrives at my telescope." (With inputs from agencies)

Water world, lava hell: Former NASA scientist hints at planets where alien life may exist

Scientists have detected a debris cloud growing in a distant star system, suspected to be formed due to a collision between two exoplanets. According to the paper published in Nature, the discovery of the growing debris cloud adds evidence to the theory that newly-formed planets in circumstellar discs can collide sometimes.

Scientists have detected a debris cloud growing in a distant star system, suspected to be formed due to a collision between two exoplanets. According to the paper published in Nature, the discovery of the growing debris cloud adds evidence to the theory that newly-formed planets in circumstellar discs can collide sometimes. The study also gives insights into the violent past of our own Solar System during its infant stage. Astronomers studied a star system dubbed ASASSN-21qj, located 1,850 lightyears from Earth. A ground-based all-sky survey detected the star first in 2021. The survey looked for celestial bodies that changed their luminosities. ASASSN-21qj brightened evidently over a short period, specifically in infrared frequencies. Clouds of gas and dust block most frequencies of light. However, they allow infrared light to pass through, suggesting a sudden rise in the dust and debris around the star. ALSO READ | ‘Double the sample, double the fun’: NASA got double the amount of asteroid Bennu sample Astronomers believe a large-scale and violent impact might have occurred between two exoplanets in the far-away star system. Furthermore, they discovered a circumstellar disc around the star, where new planets form from the material left over after the formation of the star. About ASASSN-21qj ASASSN-21qj is a young star similar to Earth's Sun, born less than 300 million years ago. The star demonstrated an excess of brightness for 1,000 days. However, after that, the light from the star drastically dropped. Then, there was an eclipse that lasted 500 days. Scientists speculate that this brightening and the eclipsing of the star was due to a giant dust cloud formed by a collision between two exoplanets. They believe that the debris cloud contains icy particles. ALSO READ | Secrets of Earth’s lost past hidden in ancient volcanoes on Mars? Scientists suggest so... As the cloud continues to revolve around the star, it might cause further eclipses. The celestial bodies of our Solar System continue to bear evidence of its violent past even after 4.5 billion years ago. These evidences include Venus rotating opposite the other planets of the Solar System and Uranus having an unusual tint due to an ancient collision between two planets. Moreover, Earth's Moon is believed to have formed by an ancient planetesimal, an accretion of dust and ice particles in a rock-like formation, that struck Earth during the infant stages of our Solar System. (With inputs from agencies)

Debris cloud growing in a distant star system after massive collision between two exoplanets

Newly forming exoplanets might be oblate instead of spherical, a new study suggests. According to a team of researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), young planets turned out to be oblate spheroids, similar to Smarties which in the UK and Europe are oblate spheroid-shaped disks of chocolate covered with colourful hard candy shells.

Newly forming exoplanets might be oblate instead of spherical, a new study suggests. According to a team of researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), young planets turned out to be oblate spheroids, similar to Smarties which in the UK and Europe are oblate spheroid-shaped disks of chocolate covered with colourful hard candy shells. In India, there's a similar candy named "Gems." The research team used computer simulations to model the shapes of planets in dense gas disks around young stars. They compared these models to observations and found that young planets took some unexpected shapes. "We have been studying planet formation for a long time, but never before had we thought to check the shape of the planets as they form in the simulations. We had always assumed that they were spherical," said team member Dimitris Stamatellos, an astrophysicist at UCLan. Astronomers have discovered over 5,000 exoplanets to date. However, they're still studying the sequence of events leading to their formation and early evolution. ALSO READ | Jellyfish with possibly venomous bright red cross and 240 tentacles found near remote deep-sea volcano Initially, the UCLan team observed the gas giants and focused on the shapes of these planets. Some of these were more massive than our solar system. According to the standard planet formation theory, the growth happens gradually as dust particles stick together to form progressively larger and larger objects over long periods. This favoured model of planet formation is called "core accretion." However, planets can arise in shorter timescales when larger rotating protoplanetary disks around young stars split into pieces. This "disk instability" method appears to give more credibility to the less favoured theory. "This [disk instability] theory is appealing due to the fact that large planets can form very quickly at large distances from their host star, explaining some exoplanet observations," said UCLan's Adam Fenton. Why Do Exoplanets Take The Shape Of Oblate Spheroids? According to the team's model, newly forming planets are oblate spheroid-shaped because when any material falls onto them, it goes primarily to their poles. The research team concluded that the impression of young exoplanets from Earth might differ depending on how these planets are angled. An exoplanet might appear spherical if Earth is directed "face on." However, when seen "on edge," a young exoplanet would appear oblate. Observing young planets, usually surrounded by gas and dust clouds, has become feasible only recently due to advanced telescopes like the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) and the Very Large Telescope (VLT). These telescopes could provide evidence to support the Smarties theory. (With inputs from agencies)

Young exoplanets might be oblate in shape like 'Smarties' rather than spherical. Study shows why

In a rare breakthrough, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected two exoplanets orbiting two different dead stars or "white dwarfs." 
 
The exoplanets detected, not only resembled the gas giants - Jupiter and Saturn - present in our solar system but the white dwarfs also hinted at the destiny of the sun. 
 
After the sun is changed into a white dwarf, it is expected to destroy the inner solar system planets — till Jupiter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-spots-a-system-of-six-exoplanets-with-hyperactive-star-similar-to-our-solar-system-686260">NASA spots a system of six 'sub-Neptunes' with hyperactive 'toddler' star</a>

Speaking to Space.com, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science and lead author of the research Susan Mullaly said, "Very few planets have been discovered around white dwarf stars. What is extraordinary about these two candidate planets is that they are more similar to planets in our outer solar system in temperature, age, mass and orbital separation than any planets previously found." 
 
"This offers our first chance to see what a planetary system looks like after its star dies," Mullaly said.

<h2 lang="en-US">Here's what JWST's snapshots tell us about our future</h2>

The JWST's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) directly observed the planet candidates as they orbited around the white dwarfs WD 1202-232 and WD 2105-82. 
 
One exoplanet was orbiting around a white dwarf which is equal to 11.5 times the distance between the sun and the Earth. 
 
The other exoplanet, meanwhile, was at a distance of about 34.5 times the distance between the sun and the Earth from its dead stellar parent. 
 
It is well-known that when the sun's fuel supply for carrying out the nuclear fusion processes that occur at its core is exhausted in around 5 billion years, the planet will swell up as a red giant. 
 
However, the nuclear fusion will continue in its outer layers. When the sun dies, its outer layers will swallow Mercury, Venus, Earth, and possibly, Mars.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | New Study reveals why the Moon is shrinking&nbsp;

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The outer layers will eventually cool and leave a smouldering stellar core, which is now a white dwarf and this will be surrounded by a planetary nebula of exhausted stellar matter. 
 
However, these exoplanet detections hint at what can happen to planets beyond Mars, which are Jupiter, Saturn and others, when the sun dies. 
 
"Our sun is expected to turn into a white dwarf star in 5 billion years," said Mullaly. 
 
"We expect planets to drift outward, into wider orbits, after a star dies. So, if you wind back the clock on these candidate planets, you would expect these to have had orbital separations similar to Jupiter and Saturn," she added. 
 
"If we are able to confirm these planets, they will provide direct evidence that planets like Jupiter and Saturn can survive the death of their host star," Mullaly said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a rare breakthrough, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected two exoplanets orbiting two different dead stars or "white dwarfs." The exoplanets detected, not only resembled the gas giants - Jupiter and Saturn - present in our solar system but the white dwarfs also hinted at the destiny of the sun.

In a rare breakthrough, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected two exoplanets orbiting two different dead stars or "white dwarfs." The exoplanets detected, not only resembled the gas giants - Jupiter and Saturn - present in our solar system but the white dwarfs also hinted at the destiny of the sun. After the sun is changed into a white dwarf, it is expected to destroy the inner solar system planets — till Jupiter. Also read: NASA spots a system of six 'sub-Neptunes' with hyperactive 'toddler' star Speaking to Space.com, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science and lead author of the research Susan Mullaly said, "Very few planets have been discovered around white dwarf stars. What is extraordinary about these two candidate planets is that they are more similar to planets in our outer solar system in temperature, age, mass and orbital separation than any planets previously found." "This offers our first chance to see what a planetary system looks like after its star dies," Mullaly said. Here's what JWST's snapshots tell us about our future The JWST's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) directly observed the planet candidates as they orbited around the white dwarfs WD 1202-232 and WD 2105-82. One exoplanet was orbiting around a white dwarf which is equal to 11.5 times the distance between the sun and the Earth. The other exoplanet, meanwhile, was at a distance of about 34.5 times the distance between the sun and the Earth from its dead stellar parent. It is well-known that when the sun's fuel supply for carrying out the nuclear fusion processes that occur at its core is exhausted in around 5 billion years, the planet will swell up as a red giant. However, the nuclear fusion will continue in its outer layers. When the sun dies, its outer layers will swallow Mercury, Venus, Earth, and possibly, Mars. Watch: Gravitas | New Study reveals why the Moon is shrinking The outer layers will eventually cool and leave a smouldering stellar core, which is now a white dwarf and this will be surrounded by a planetary nebula of exhausted stellar matter. However, these exoplanet detections hint at what can happen to planets beyond Mars, which are Jupiter, Saturn and others, when the sun dies. "Our sun is expected to turn into a white dwarf star in 5 billion years," said Mullaly. "We expect planets to drift outward, into wider orbits, after a star dies. So, if you wind back the clock on these candidate planets, you would expect these to have had orbital separations similar to Jupiter and Saturn," she added. "If we are able to confirm these planets, they will provide direct evidence that planets like Jupiter and Saturn can survive the death of their host star," Mullaly said. (With inputs from agencies)

James Webb detects exoplanets orbiting dead stars. This hints after Sun's death our solar system will...

The quest for alien life in outer space is going to take an exciting turn in the upcoming decade with a due major advancement: The introduction of advanced, next-generation telescopes. A new study, published in the Astronomical Journal, reveals how the search for life on exoplanets is going to get super interesting.&nbsp;

Using these Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs), scientists will focus on 10 rocky exoplanets, particularly for bio-signatures such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. The existence of all these elements suggests the presence of life on a planet.&nbsp;

<h2>The focus of the study</h2>

The study says the ELTs can help space enthusiasts solve the mysteries of two nearby exoplanets: Proxima Centauri b and GJ 887 b. These two are ‘Super-Earth’ planets, bigger than Earth in size but smaller than Neptune.

According to experts, the introduction of ELTs is going to be promising and result-oriented; however, they caution that not every planet is best suited for direct imaging.

“Not every planet is suitable for direct imaging, but that’s why simulations give us a rough idea of what the ELTs would have delivered and the promises they’re meant to hold when they are built,” Huihao Zhang, a senior in astronomy at Ohio State, was quoted as saying by Space.com.

<h2>The telescopes</h2>

The study included the viability of the European Extremely Large Telescope, the Thirty-Metre-Telescope, and the Giant Magellan Telescope and their ability to directly image exoplanets.

The direct imaging of exoplanets involves sophisticated techniques aimed at overcoming the overwhelming brightness of their host stars. One such method utilises a coronagraph or starshade to physically block out the intense light emanating from the host star, thereby allowing astronomers to capture the faint light reflected or emitted by the orbiting exoplanet.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA Chief says Aliens exist

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However, despite its potential, this approach presents formidable challenges and requires significant time and effort to execute successfully.&nbsp;

<h2>Detecting the atmosphere of exoplanets</h2>

Not just the bio-signatures, the ELTs can also help scientists observe the atmosphere of the exoplanets. The Mid-Infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph (METIS) and the High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph (HARMONI) are the two instruments on board the ELT that can analyse the atmosphere.&nbsp;

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METIS were able to detect the aforementioned bio-signature gases in its atmosphere. In the simulations conducted in the study, METIS also could detect the same biosignatures on exoplanets Proxima b and Wolf 1061c, while HARMONI was able to make the same detections but required longer exposure times to do so.

(With inputs from agencies)

The quest for alien life in outer space is going to take an exciting turn in the upcoming decade with a due major advancement: The introduction of advanced, next-generation telescopes.

The quest for alien life in outer space is going to take an exciting turn in the upcoming decade with a due major advancement: The introduction of advanced, next-generation telescopes. A new study, published in the Astronomical Journal, reveals how the search for life on exoplanets is going to get super interesting. Using these Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs), scientists will focus on 10 rocky exoplanets, particularly for bio-signatures such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. The existence of all these elements suggests the presence of life on a planet. The focus of the study The study says the ELTs can help space enthusiasts solve the mysteries of two nearby exoplanets: Proxima Centauri b and GJ 887 b. These two are ‘Super-Earth’ planets, bigger than Earth in size but smaller than Neptune. According to experts, the introduction of ELTs is going to be promising and result-oriented; however, they caution that not every planet is best suited for direct imaging. “Not every planet is suitable for direct imaging, but that’s why simulations give us a rough idea of what the ELTs would have delivered and the promises they’re meant to hold when they are built,” Huihao Zhang, a senior in astronomy at Ohio State, was quoted as saying by Space.com. The telescopes The study included the viability of the European Extremely Large Telescope, the Thirty-Metre-Telescope, and the Giant Magellan Telescope and their ability to directly image exoplanets. The direct imaging of exoplanets involves sophisticated techniques aimed at overcoming the overwhelming brightness of their host stars. One such method utilises a coronagraph or starshade to physically block out the intense light emanating from the host star, thereby allowing astronomers to capture the faint light reflected or emitted by the orbiting exoplanet. Watch: NASA Chief says Aliens exist × However, despite its potential, this approach presents formidable challenges and requires significant time and effort to execute successfully. Detecting the atmosphere of exoplanets Not just the bio-signatures, the ELTs can also help scientists observe the atmosphere of the exoplanets. The Mid-Infrared ELT Imager and Spectrograph (METIS) and the High Angular Resolution Monolithic Optical and Near-infrared Integral field spectrograph (HARMONI) are the two instruments on board the ELT that can analyse the atmosphere. Also read: Humans close to finding 'alien ruins' everywhere, ex-US pilot claims after 'speaking' to aliens METIS were able to detect the aforementioned bio-signature gases in its atmosphere. In the simulations conducted in the study, METIS also could detect the same biosignatures on exoplanets Proxima b and Wolf 1061c, while HARMONI was able to make the same detections but required longer exposure times to do so. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists identify first telescope that may find alien life on exoplanets

A debate has sparked among astronomers about the existence of exomoons, the natural satellites revolving around exoplanets that orbit a star outside the solar system.

A debate has sparked among astronomers about the existence of exomoons, the natural satellites revolving around exoplanets that orbit a star outside the solar system. In 2018, David Kipping, an assistant professor of astronomy at Columbia University, and his team thought they had detected the first exomoon around the exoplanet Kepler-1625b and named it Kepler-1625b I. In 2022, another team, including Kipping, appeared to have discovered a second such non-stellar extrasolar body around Kepler-1708b and aptly dubbed it Kepler-1708b I. However, Rene Heller, a scientist at Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, and Michael Hippke of Sonneberg Observatory wrote in a paper published in Nature Astronomy, "The probability of a moon orbiting Kepler-1708b is clearly lower than previously reported. The data do not suggest the existence of an exomoon around Kepler-1708b." They said the same thing about Kepler 1625b. David Kipping, Alex Teachey and a group of researchers from previous studies have responded to Heller and Hippke's claim. They wrote, "Recently, Heller & Hippke argued that the exomoon candidates Kepler-1625 b I and Kepler-1708 b I were allegedly 'refuted.'" According to them, Hellen and Hippke neglected data, eliminating the exomoon-supporting signal in the Hubble light curves for Kepler-1625b I. The two exoplanets at issue, Kepler-1625b and Kepler-1708 b are around 8,000 and 5,500 light years away from Earth, which is an extreme distance. Researchers used a technique similar to the transit method to detect these two exoplanets, initially captured by the Kepler Space Telescope. ALSO READ | A bacteria-murdering virus may come in handy to kill superbugs Exomoons are hard to detect, and the only evidence is light curves. However, these curves around exomoons are fainter than those around exoplanets. Different researchers employ different techniques, methods, models, and algorithms for the structural analysis of these faint exomoon light curves. Kipping and Teachey claim that Heller and Hippke made errors in their analysis and excluded critical information in their study. "We demonstrate that their Hubble light curve exhibits ~20 per cent higher noise and discards 11% of the useful data, which compromises its ability to recover the subtle signal of Kepler-1625 b I," write Kipping and Teachey. However, they added, "We begin by clearly stating, both exomoon candidates may not be real. Our original and continued claim is modest: these objects are candidates for which the data exhibits substantial but not entirely conclusive evidence in favour of exomoons." Both studies show how challenging the detection of exomoons can be until there are major advancements in telescope technology. Kipping believes this debate between the two research teams is an opportunity to compare methods and conclude on the best approach to discover more about these exomoons. (With inputs from agencies)

Do moons exist outside our solar systems? Researchers argue on discovery of exomoons

There is a high possibility of diamonds raining on hundreds of exoplanets in space, a new experiment shows. These diamonds will be the result of extremely compressed carbon compounds present deep inside the core of exoplanets at extremely low temperatures.

The experiment was carried out at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California, by Mungo Frost and his colleagues. As per Frost’s experiment, diamond rain may become a common phenomenon inside ice-giant planets like Uranus and Neptune.

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Earlier, many lab experiments have been carried out to study the conditions under which diamonds could form inside ice giants. Most of the experiments were based on a dynamic compression method. This is the first time that an experiment in this field has been conducted based on the static compression method. &nbsp;

<h2>Diamond rains on icy planets like Uranus and Neptune might become a common phenomenon</h2>

The experiment to study the conditions of compressed carbon on icy planets was performed using static compression but dynamic heating.&nbsp;

Frost’s team compressed polystyrene, the polymer that is used to make styrofoam. The team squeezed polystyrene between two diamonds and then bombarded it with pulses of X-ray light. The observations blew their minds.

The team observed that diamonds are gradually forming from the polystyrene at temperatures around 2200 degrees Celsius and pressures around 19 gigapascals, conditions which are similar to those in the interiors of Uranus and Neptune.

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These pressures are much lower than the pressures found to be necessary for diamond formation in earlier experiments using dynamic compression. The reaction also took longer than dynamic compression experiments, which might explain why such experiments haven’t picked up low-pressure diamond formation.

“It disagreed with established results and wasn’t what we expected to see, but it fit in nicely and sort of tied everything together,” says Frost. “It turns out that was all down to different timescales.”

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The team then concluded that diamond rain is a possibility on several of the smaller planets. Of the total 5600 confirmed exoplanets, the researchers said more than 1900 could have diamond rain.

It means that within the solar systems, diamonds could form at shallower depths than thought earlier. This could also change our understanding of the interiors of giant planets.

(With inputs from agencies)

There is a high possibility of diamonds raining on hundreds of exoplanets in space, a new experiment shows. These diamonds will be the result of extremely compressed carbon compounds present deep inside the core of exoplanets at extremely low temperatures.

There is a high possibility of diamonds raining on hundreds of exoplanets in space, a new experiment shows. These diamonds will be the result of extremely compressed carbon compounds present deep inside the core of exoplanets at extremely low temperatures. The experiment was carried out at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California, by Mungo Frost and his colleagues. As per Frost’s experiment, diamond rain may become a common phenomenon inside ice-giant planets like Uranus and Neptune. Also Read | A failed star is witnessing mysterious auroras, leaving scientists perplexed Earlier, many lab experiments have been carried out to study the conditions under which diamonds could form inside ice giants. Most of the experiments were based on a dynamic compression method. This is the first time that an experiment in this field has been conducted based on the static compression method. Diamond rains on icy planets like Uranus and Neptune might become a common phenomenon The experiment to study the conditions of compressed carbon on icy planets was performed using static compression but dynamic heating. Frost’s team compressed polystyrene, the polymer that is used to make styrofoam. The team squeezed polystyrene between two diamonds and then bombarded it with pulses of X-ray light. The observations blew their minds. The team observed that diamonds are gradually forming from the polystyrene at temperatures around 2200 degrees Celsius and pressures around 19 gigapascals, conditions which are similar to those in the interiors of Uranus and Neptune. Also Read | Radio signal that took 8 billion years to reach Earth came from seven interacting galaxies These pressures are much lower than the pressures found to be necessary for diamond formation in earlier experiments using dynamic compression. The reaction also took longer than dynamic compression experiments, which might explain why such experiments haven’t picked up low-pressure diamond formation. “It disagreed with established results and wasn’t what we expected to see, but it fit in nicely and sort of tied everything together,” says Frost. “It turns out that was all down to different timescales.” Also Read | Scientists discover water's existence in building blocks of solar system The team then concluded that diamond rain is a possibility on several of the smaller planets. Of the total 5600 confirmed exoplanets, the researchers said more than 1900 could have diamond rain. It means that within the solar systems, diamonds could form at shallower depths than thought earlier. This could also change our understanding of the interiors of giant planets. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds diamond rain is a possibility on Uranus, Neptune, and thousands of exoplanets

An international team of astronomers, with the use of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), discovered two new "hot Jupiter" exoplanets. 
 
The newly-discovered alien worlds, which have been named TOI-4377 b and TOI-4551 b, are both orbit distant red-giant stars. The discoveries were reported in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society on November 8. 
 
TESS, which was launched in April 2018, has been conducting a survey of nearly 200,000 of the brightest stars near the sun. The survey is aimed at searching for transiting exoplanets, which range from small, rocky worlds to gaseous giants.

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To date, it has identified around 7,000 candidate exoplanets (TESS Objects of Interest, or TOI), among which 402 have so far been confirmed. 
 
A team of astronomers, headed by Filipe Pereira of the University of Porto, Portugal, confirmed spotting another two TOIs with the help of TESS. A transit signal was identified by them in the light curve of red-giant stars which are called TOI-4377 and TOI-4551, and are located 1,486 and 704 light years away. 
 
In follow-up radial velocity observations, with the use of ground-based telescopes, the astronomers verified the planetary nature of these signals. "The planets were found during a search for transits around bright, low-luminosity red-giant branch stars observed by TESS in the southern ecliptic hemisphere," the researchers said, in the paper.

<h2>Researchers label exoplanets as 'hot Jupiters'</h2>

The radius of TOI-4377 b is about 1.35 Jupiter radii and it has a mass of some 0.96 Jupiter masses. The planet has been observed to be orbiting its host every 4.38 days, from a distance of 0.058 AU, and its equilibrium temperature. 
 
The radius of planet TOI-4551 b is about 6 per cent larger compared to Jupiter, while its mass is nearly 1.49 Jupiter masses. As per the observations, TOI-4551 b has an orbital period of nearly 10 days.

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They are both nearly 3.5 times larger compared to the sun and have effective temperatures of nearly 5,000 K. It has been estimated that TOI-4377 is nearly 3.88 billion years old, and TOI-4551 is around 1 billion years older. 
 
Concluding the observations, the papers' authors stated that TOI-4377 b and TOI-4551 are both classified as "hot Jupiters" and are an example of giant alien worlds which have short orbital periods. 
 
"All in all, the two newly confirmed planets enrich the existing population of known hot Jupiters orbiting evolved hosts. They should prove particularly relevant to demographic studies of short-period giant planets around red-giant stars, where only a handful of planets are known," explained the researchers.

(With inputs from agencies)

An international team of astronomers, with the use of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), discovered two new "hot Jupiter" exoplanets. The newly-discovered alien worlds, which have been named TOI-4377 b and TOI-4551 b, are both orbit distant red-giant stars.

An international team of astronomers, with the use of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), discovered two new "hot Jupiter" exoplanets. The newly-discovered alien worlds, which have been named TOI-4377 b and TOI-4551 b, are both orbit distant red-giant stars. The discoveries were reported in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society on November 8. TESS, which was launched in April 2018, has been conducting a survey of nearly 200,000 of the brightest stars near the sun. The survey is aimed at searching for transiting exoplanets, which range from small, rocky worlds to gaseous giants. Also Read: Laser message reaches Earth from nearly 10 million miles away in space To date, it has identified around 7,000 candidate exoplanets (TESS Objects of Interest, or TOI), among which 402 have so far been confirmed. A team of astronomers, headed by Filipe Pereira of the University of Porto, Portugal, confirmed spotting another two TOIs with the help of TESS. A transit signal was identified by them in the light curve of red-giant stars which are called TOI-4377 and TOI-4551, and are located 1,486 and 704 light years away. In follow-up radial velocity observations, with the use of ground-based telescopes, the astronomers verified the planetary nature of these signals. "The planets were found during a search for transits around bright, low-luminosity red-giant branch stars observed by TESS in the southern ecliptic hemisphere," the researchers said, in the paper. Researchers label exoplanets as 'hot Jupiters' The radius of TOI-4377 b is about 1.35 Jupiter radii and it has a mass of some 0.96 Jupiter masses. The planet has been observed to be orbiting its host every 4.38 days, from a distance of 0.058 AU, and its equilibrium temperature. The radius of planet TOI-4551 b is about 6 per cent larger compared to Jupiter, while its mass is nearly 1.49 Jupiter masses. As per the observations, TOI-4551 b has an orbital period of nearly 10 days. Watch: SpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base | WION They are both nearly 3.5 times larger compared to the sun and have effective temperatures of nearly 5,000 K. It has been estimated that TOI-4377 is nearly 3.88 billion years old, and TOI-4551 is around 1 billion years older. Concluding the observations, the papers' authors stated that TOI-4377 b and TOI-4551 are both classified as "hot Jupiters" and are an example of giant alien worlds which have short orbital periods. "All in all, the two newly confirmed planets enrich the existing population of known hot Jupiters orbiting evolved hosts. They should prove particularly relevant to demographic studies of short-period giant planets around red-giant stars, where only a handful of planets are known," explained the researchers. (With inputs from agencies)

Alien worlds: Astronomers discover two new 'hot Jupiters'. Here's all about these exoplanets

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets. Researchers believe they may have identified a potential explanation for the "missing" planets falling between the size range of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes.

Exoplanets exist outside our solar system and exhibit diverse sizes, ranging from rocky planets to gas giants. In between, there are rocky super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. But there also exists a noticeable void, a "size gap."

NASA's&nbsp;Jet Propulsion Laboratory said that there is a "conspicuous absence" or a “size gap” of planets that are 1.5 to 2 times Earth's size. This has left scientists puzzled.&nbsp;

However, the lead&nbsp;author of the new study in The Astronomical Journal and Caltech/IPAC research scientist Jessie Christiansen said that “scientists have now confirmed the detection of over 5,000 exoplanets, but there are fewer planets than expected with a diameter between 1.5 and 2 times that of Earth."&nbsp;

“Exoplanet scientists have enough data now to say that this gap is not a fluke. There’s something going on that impedes planets from reaching and/or staying at this size," Christiansen added.&nbsp;

Scientists have dedicated efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding this absence and gain a deeper understanding of the planetary system.&nbsp;

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<h2>So what is behind the shrinking of exoplanets?&nbsp;</h2>

The study proposed that some sub-Neptunes lose their atmospheres, causing them to shrink. The leading explanations for this atmospheric loss are core-powered mass loss and photoevaporation. The researchers have uncovered new evidence supporting the theory of core-powered mass loss as a potential mechanism behind the shrinking of these planets.&nbsp;

Core-powered mass loss involves radiation from a planet's hot core gradually pushing its atmosphere away over time, eventually shrinking it. In contrast, photoevaporation occurs when a planet's atmosphere is eroded by the intense radiation from its host star.

The study suggested that core-powered mass loss occurs later in a planet's life, around 1 billion years, while photoevaporation is more likely to happen within the first 100 million years.

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<h2>Observations of star clusters</h2>

The researchers focused on star clusters Praesepe and Hyades, aged between 600 million and 800 million years.

By analysing these clusters, the team concluded in&nbsp;their findings that core-powered mass loss is a more plausible reasoning for these "missing" exoplanets.&nbsp;

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While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers said that the understanding of photoevaporation and core-powered mass loss is an evolving field.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets.

A recent study utilising data from NASA's retired Kepler Space Telescope has provided insights into the enigma of disappearing atmospheres and shrinking sizes of certain exoplanets. Researchers believe they may have identified a potential explanation for the "missing" planets falling between the size range of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. Exoplanets exist outside our solar system and exhibit diverse sizes, ranging from rocky planets to gas giants. In between, there are rocky super-Earths and sub-Neptunes. But there also exists a noticeable void, a "size gap." NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said that there is a "conspicuous absence" or a “size gap” of planets that are 1.5 to 2 times Earth's size. This has left scientists puzzled. However, the lead author of the new study in The Astronomical Journal and Caltech/IPAC research scientist Jessie Christiansen said that “scientists have now confirmed the detection of over 5,000 exoplanets, but there are fewer planets than expected with a diameter between 1.5 and 2 times that of Earth." “Exoplanet scientists have enough data now to say that this gap is not a fluke. There’s something going on that impedes planets from reaching and/or staying at this size," Christiansen added. Scientists have dedicated efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding this absence and gain a deeper understanding of the planetary system. Also Read | Italy bans lab-grown 'frankenstein' meat citing health concerns and need to safeguard livestock industry So what is behind the shrinking of exoplanets? The study proposed that some sub-Neptunes lose their atmospheres, causing them to shrink. The leading explanations for this atmospheric loss are core-powered mass loss and photoevaporation. The researchers have uncovered new evidence supporting the theory of core-powered mass loss as a potential mechanism behind the shrinking of these planets. Core-powered mass loss involves radiation from a planet's hot core gradually pushing its atmosphere away over time, eventually shrinking it. In contrast, photoevaporation occurs when a planet's atmosphere is eroded by the intense radiation from its host star. The study suggested that core-powered mass loss occurs later in a planet's life, around 1 billion years, while photoevaporation is more likely to happen within the first 100 million years. Also Read | RBI bulletin highlights inflation challenge despite boost in consumption Observations of star clusters The researchers focused on star clusters Praesepe and Hyades, aged between 600 million and 800 million years. By analysing these clusters, the team concluded in their findings that core-powered mass loss is a more plausible reasoning for these "missing" exoplanets. Watch | Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military × While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers said that the understanding of photoevaporation and core-powered mass loss is an evolving field. (With inputs from agencies)

Is mystery of shrinking exoplanets solved? Data from NASA reveals new details

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Aliens on distant Exoplanets?; Code used for recommending tweets will be public | Trending on WION

A recent study was conducted by astronomers from the University of California, Irvine, in which they suggested the possibility of aliens hiding in special 'terminator zones' on distant exoplanets, where the temperature is not too hot or cold.

Various exoplanets, which are outside our solar system, remain tidally locked and hence, one side always continues to face the star around which they orbit and the other side remains permanently in darkness.

The astronomers, in their study, found that there is a band around these planets in which there is a possibility that they are harbouring liquid water which is the main ingredient for life.

This band is called the 'terminator zone' where the terminator acts as the dividing line between the day side and night side of the exoplanet.

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The scientists said that the water is likely to remain frozen on the cold night side and is likely to evaporate due to heat on the light dayside.

“The dayside can be scorching hot, well beyond habitability, and the night side is going to be freezing, potentially covered in ice. You could have large glaciers at the night side. You want a planet that's in the sweet spot of just the right temperature for having liquid water,” said lead author, Dr Ana Lobo.

“We are trying to draw attention to more water-limited planets, which despite not having widespread oceans, could have lakes or other smaller bodies of liquid water, and these climates could actually be very promising,” she added.

Lobo added that one of the major findings was understanding what kind of terminator zone can retain liquid water on the planet. The team discovered that if water is mostly covering the planet then the water facing the star is most likely to evaporate and the entire planet will be covered in a thick layer of vapour. However, this effect shouldn't take place if there's land.

WATCH | Gravitas: Mysterious object washes up on Japanese beach

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“Ana has shown if there’s a lot of land on the planet, the scenario we call ‘terminator habitability’ can exist a lot more easily,” said Aomawa Shields, UCI associate professor of physics &amp; astronomy.

“These new and exotic habitability states our team is uncovering are no longer the stuff of science fiction — Ana has done the work to show that such states can be climatically stable,” Shields added.

Identifying terminator zones as a potential place for harbouring life also means that astronomers are required to adjust the way exoplanet climates are being studied for finding signs of life because there is a chance of biosignatures life creates being present in few parts of the atmosphere of the planet. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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A recent study was conducted by astronomers from the University of California, Irvine, in which they suggested the possibility of aliens hiding in special 'terminator zones' on distant exoplanets, where the temperature is not too hot or cold.

A recent study was conducted by astronomers from the University of California, Irvine, in which they suggested the possibility of aliens hiding in special 'terminator zones' on distant exoplanets, where the temperature is not too hot or cold. Various exoplanets, which are outside our solar system, remain tidally locked and hence, one side always continues to face the star around which they orbit and the other side remains permanently in darkness. The astronomers, in their study, found that there is a band around these planets in which there is a possibility that they are harbouring liquid water which is the main ingredient for life. This band is called the 'terminator zone' where the terminator acts as the dividing line between the day side and night side of the exoplanet. ALSO READ | UK: 'Eerily cool' cloud illuminated by worm moon leaves skywatchers thrilled The scientists said that the water is likely to remain frozen on the cold night side and is likely to evaporate due to heat on the light dayside. “The dayside can be scorching hot, well beyond habitability, and the night side is going to be freezing, potentially covered in ice. You could have large glaciers at the night side. You want a planet that's in the sweet spot of just the right temperature for having liquid water,” said lead author, Dr Ana Lobo. “We are trying to draw attention to more water-limited planets, which despite not having widespread oceans, could have lakes or other smaller bodies of liquid water, and these climates could actually be very promising,” she added. Lobo added that one of the major findings was understanding what kind of terminator zone can retain liquid water on the planet. The team discovered that if water is mostly covering the planet then the water facing the star is most likely to evaporate and the entire planet will be covered in a thick layer of vapour. However, this effect shouldn't take place if there's land. WATCH | Gravitas: Mysterious object washes up on Japanese beach “Ana has shown if there’s a lot of land on the planet, the scenario we call ‘terminator habitability’ can exist a lot more easily,” said Aomawa Shields, UCI associate professor of physics & astronomy. “These new and exotic habitability states our team is uncovering are no longer the stuff of science fiction — Ana has done the work to show that such states can be climatically stable,” Shields added. Identifying terminator zones as a potential place for harbouring life also means that astronomers are required to adjust the way exoplanet climates are being studied for finding signs of life because there is a chance of biosignatures life creates being present in few parts of the atmosphere of the planet. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Aliens on distant exoplanets? Scientists say ‘terminator zones’ could harbour life

As effort to scan the skies for signs of alien life continues, NASA scientists have found two exoplanets almost the size of the Earth revoving around their star in what is called 'Habitable Zone'

The two newly found exoplanets, designated as TOI 700 d and TOI 700 e, are revolving around a star just 100 light-years away from Earth. Both of these planets are in the habitable zone of the planet, but it is not known for sure if water is present there.

If a planet is too far from its star, any potential liquid, like water, freezes. If the planet is too close to the star, the liquid evaporates into space. Both these scenarios are unlikely to be conducive to formation of life. But there is a zone around any star, in which the temperature is just right for water to exist in liquid form, if it is present on that planet to start with.&nbsp;

Earth is in such a habitable zone around the Sun.&nbsp;

The planet TOI 700 e is likely a rocky planet. It 95 per cent the size of Earth. The second planet, TOI 700 d is also the size of Earth.

Both these planets are revolving the star designated as TOI 700.

Discovery of both these planets has been made by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS mission.

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As effort to scan the skies for signs of alien life continues, NASA scientists have found two exoplanets almost the size of the Earth revoving around their star in what is called 'Habitable Zone' The two newly found exoplanets, designated as TOI 700 d and TOI 700 e, are revolving around a star just 100 light-years away from Earth.

As effort to scan the skies for signs of alien life continues, NASA scientists have found two exoplanets almost the size of the Earth revoving around their star in what is called 'Habitable Zone' The two newly found exoplanets, designated as TOI 700 d and TOI 700 e, are revolving around a star just 100 light-years away from Earth. Both of these planets are in the habitable zone of the planet, but it is not known for sure if water is present there. If a planet is too far from its star, any potential liquid, like water, freezes. If the planet is too close to the star, the liquid evaporates into space. Both these scenarios are unlikely to be conducive to formation of life. But there is a zone around any star, in which the temperature is just right for water to exist in liquid form, if it is present on that planet to start with. Earth is in such a habitable zone around the Sun. The planet TOI 700 e is likely a rocky planet. It 95 per cent the size of Earth. The second planet, TOI 700 d is also the size of Earth. Both these planets are revolving the star designated as TOI 700. Discovery of both these planets has been made by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS mission. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NASA finds two Earth-sized exoplanets in habitable zone of star

In a rare privilege for the public in the Southern Indian city of Chennai, they would be able to listen to a Nobel laureate elaborate on his work and the search for life in the universe.

In a rare privilege for the public in the Southern Indian city of Chennai, they would be able to listen to a Nobel laureate elaborate on his work and the search for life in the universe. Didier Patrick Queloz, the Swiss astronomer who won the Nobel Prize for discovering an extrasolar planet orbiting a sun-like star, would be in the city on October 20 as part of a lecture series organised by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M). Didier Queloz was born in Switzerland and studied at the University of Geneva, where he also received a doctorate in 1995. In the same year, Queloz and his supervisor Michel Mayor announced the first discovery of a planet outside our solar system, an exoplanet, orbiting a solar-type star in our home galaxy, the Milky Way. Using custom-made instruments, they were able to see planet '51 Pegasi b', in the Pegasus constellation and this work earned them the Nobel Prize in 2019. Since then, over 4,000 exoplanets have since been found in the Milky Way. Eventually, such studies may find an answer to the eternal question of whether other life exists out there. Since 2008, Queloz has been a professor at the University of Geneva and since 2012 at the University of Cambridge as well. The address by Didier Queloz will be the inaugural lecture of the 'Subra Suresh Distinguished Lecture series' launched by IIT Madras. This lecture series was launched in honour of one of its most illustrious alumni of IIT Madras - Professor Subra Suresh, a distinguished alumnus awardee (1997) and currently president and a distinguished university professor at the prestigious Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. This series will feature lectures by Nobel laureates and globally-renowned speakers from various walks of life. They will also deliver a science talk which will be open to all. #Chennai -Here's an opportunity to listen to 2019 #NobelPrize winner Didier Queloz, the #Swiss #astronomer ,who discovered a #planet outside our solar system Courtesy @iitmadras ,he'll deliver a lecture on 20th #october -Exoplanets & the Search for Life in the Universe Link👇 pic.twitter.com/ytpwWTsc8C — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 4, 2022 × Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, dean, alumni and corporate relations, IIT Madras, said, “ This series will bring the best speakers from all over the world to India, with the motivation to bring a broad perspective of science to researchers and laypeople.” Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean, Global Engagement, IIT Madras, added that this initiative would bring world-renowned researchers and intellectuals in several fields to the IIT Madras campus. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Swiss astronomer who won Nobel for discovering exoplanet to deliver lecture in this Indian city

According to reports, the Chinese &nbsp;Academy of Sciences (CAS) has launched a project called “Earth 2.0 ET” which seeks to find a planet similar to Earth orbiting a Sun-like star. The Chinese white paper says the mission is designed to measure the occurrence rate and the orbital distributions of Earth-sized planets with 30cm telescopes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-first-isros-poem-will-remain-stable-in-space-and-facilitate-science-experiments-492950">Also Read:&nbsp;In a first, ISRO's 'POEM' will remain stable in space and facilitate science experiments</a>

The statement adds that six transit telescopes would be equipped with a "field of view of 500 square degrees". It is expected the mission will monitor&nbsp;tens of thousands of transiting planets, "including the elusive Earth twins orbiting solar-type stars", it said.

Watch:&nbsp;UK to launch space factory prototype

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The seventh telescope will reportedly monitor an area "4 square degrees toward the galactic bulge". The powerful telescopes will measure "hundreds of long-period and free-floating planets".&nbsp;

The mission statement claimed that the "transit and the microlensing telescopes will revolutionise our understandings of terrestrial planets across a large swath of orbital distances and free space."&nbsp;

Nature had earlier expanded on China's plan reporting that 5,000 exoplanets have been discovered in the Milky Way by NASA's Kepler telescope. However, China would be using much more powerful telescopes. The mission is set to be launched in 2026.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has launched a project called “Earth 2.0 ET” which seeks to find a planet similar to Earth orbiting a Sun-like star.

According to reports, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has launched a project called “Earth 2.0 ET” which seeks to find a planet similar to Earth orbiting a Sun-like star. The Chinese white paper says the mission is designed to measure the occurrence rate and the orbital distributions of Earth-sized planets with 30cm telescopes. Also Read: In a first, ISRO's 'POEM' will remain stable in space and facilitate science experiments The statement adds that six transit telescopes would be equipped with a "field of view of 500 square degrees". It is expected the mission will monitor tens of thousands of transiting planets, "including the elusive Earth twins orbiting solar-type stars", it said. Watch: UK to launch space factory prototype The seventh telescope will reportedly monitor an area "4 square degrees toward the galactic bulge". The powerful telescopes will measure "hundreds of long-period and free-floating planets". The mission statement claimed that the "transit and the microlensing telescopes will revolutionise our understandings of terrestrial planets across a large swath of orbital distances and free space." Nature had earlier expanded on China's plan reporting that 5,000 exoplanets have been discovered in the Milky Way by NASA's Kepler telescope. However, China would be using much more powerful telescopes. The mission is set to be launched in 2026. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's new plan to find 'Earth 2.0 ET'

In January 1992, a pair of astronomers reported a discovery that changed the course of scientific history: They found planets outside our solar system.

The detection of the first confirmed exoplanets — the term for worlds that orbit other stars — validated dreamers who for centuries believed that “innumerable celestial bodies, stars, globes, suns and earths may be sensibly perceived therein by us,” in the words of the Renaissance polymath Giordano Bruno. One such detection — the world 51 Pegasi b in 1995 — led to the award of the 2019 Nobel Prize in physics to Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz.

Now, 30 years later, the list of known exoplanets has just topped 5,000, according to NASA. This dazzling abundance and variety of worlds has come into view with the aid of ever-more sophisticated space telescopes. There are “hot Jupiters” that orbit scorchingly close to their stars and beefed-up versions of our planet known as “super-Earths.” Rogue planets, unmoored from their stars, wander interstellar space. And some worlds show signs of habitability, meaning they could host alien life.

To celebrate the milestone, experts and enthusiasts shared their favourite exoplanets or exoplanetary systems among the thousands of worlds to choose from.

A Dead Star’s Worlds

Poltergeist and Phobetor were the first confirmed exoplanets ever spotted. Alexander Wolszczan and Dale Frail detected the planets orbiting a neutron star, a type of dead star, using the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico.

“Not only did this discovery precede further confirmed exoplanet discoveries by three years, Poltergeist and Phobetor were the first exoplanets with Earth-like masses and the first multiplanet system,” said Frail, an astronomer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

“This discovery suggested that, if you can make planets around a neutron star, they should be common around all kinds of stars,” said Wolszczan, a professor at Pennsylvania State University.

No Doubt About It

Though Poltergeist and Phobetor were the first confirmed exoplanets in history, an absolutely humongous gas giant nicknamed Tadmor was spotted in 1988 by scientists based in British Columbia. The existence of Tadmor was disputed for years, even by its own discoverers, but was eventually confirmed in 2002.

Chris Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut, said that “firsts” are always important to him, which is just one of the reasons that Tadmor is his favourite exoplanet.

“Part of the reason I like it is that it was detected by three Canadians,” said Hadfield, referring to Bruce Campbell, Gordon Walker and Stephenson Yang, “and they just couldn’t believe it.”

“To me, since it’s the first one, it’s the one I think ends up being the most historic and at this point, the most interesting,” he added.

Seven-in-One

With seven rocky planets and a location just 40 light-years from Earth, the TRAPPIST-1 system is a fan favourite.

Lisa Kaltenegger, director of the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University, noted that the system had four planets in the habitable zone — the region around a star where liquid water could potentially exist.

“Wouldn’t it be incredible to find more than one habitable world around one star?” Kaltenegger said.

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Tim Pyle, a multimedia producer who helped create some of the well-known visualizations of TRAPPIST-1 for NASA, noted that the view from these planets would be surreal.

“Having seven roughly Earth-sized planets around a single star excites my imagination,” Pyle said. “And they’re so close together that they would be looming fixtures in each other’s sky in a breathtaking way. Imagine lying on the deck of a boat on a TRAPPIST-1e ocean, looking above you, and seeing other planets as large as we see the full moon from Earth!”

Precocious Planets

TOI-1233, a sunlike star more than 200 light-years from Earth, contains five known exoplanets. Four of these worlds were spotted in 2020.

“TOI-1233 is an outstanding planetary system with its high number of transiting planets, sunlike host star and its proximity to the solar system,” said Tansu Daylan, a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Daylan detected the system with Jasmine Wright and Kartik Pinglé, who were both high school students at the time.

“This system is dear to my heart because it represents my first hands-on research experience in astrophysics,” said Wright, who is now studying the subject and computer science at the University of Colorado Boulder. “Since I was 7 years old, it’s been my goal to become an astrophysicist and work for NASA, and discovering this system brought me that chance sooner than expected.”

Pinglé, a senior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Massachusetts, added that there was much still to be discovered at TOI-1233.

“It is a prime candidate for follow-up observation, particularly from the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope,” he said.

A Super-Saturn, Maybe

The possible exoplanet J1407b is nicknamed “super-Saturn” and “Lord of the Rings” because its ring system appears to stretch as far as Earth is from the sun.

Ann Druyan, who created the original television series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” with her husband, Carl Sagan, and is the creative force behind its two recent iterations, said this world made an impression on her.

“It was an indication of what the variety of worlds, similar to the variety of life, could be,” she said.

Doubts have been raised about the original detection of J1407b. That also appeals to Druyan.

“I love the idea that it might be there and it might not be there,” she said. “It’s a product of this relentless searching, this sacred searching, we’ve been doing for roughly 400 years.”

An Ancient Super-Earth

More than half of the 5,000 known exoplanets were spotted by Kepler, a workhorse NASA space telescope that retired in 2018. Out of them all, William Borucki, Kepler’s principal investigator, has a clear favorite: Kepler-62f, a super-Earth about 1,000 light-years from Earth.

“It is in the habitable zone. It is similar in size to the Earth. It could be a rocky world or a water world,” he said in an email. “It orbits a star similar to but older than our sun.”

He added, “Any life on the planet could be much more advanced because the planet and any life on it would/could be that much older than terrestrial life and therefore be of special interest.”

Crazy Ex-Lava Monster

Kepler-10b was the first rocky planet to be discovered by the Kepler telescope, in 2011. The planet is slightly larger in size than Earth, and about four times as massive. But its temperature exceeds 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit because of its close orbit around its star, making it a nightmarish world.

“I love Kepler-10b because it’s the size of Earth but with a lava ocean, so I like to imagine it’s an alternate version of Earth with an alternate version of myself living on that planet,” said actress Rachel Bloom. But instead of being the co-creator and star of the TV show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” Bloom said the Kepler-10b version of herself would be “a fearsome lava monster who still likes show tunes.”

So Close, Yet So Far

Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf that is part of the three-star Alpha Centauri system, is our star’s closest neighbour, just 4 light-years away. Over the past few years, scientists have spotted three exoplanets, Proxima b, c and d — which are especially captivating to Sharon Xuesong Wang, a scientist at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

“I think within our lifetime, there’s a chance that we could see a mission actually flying somewhere closer to the system to study the planets in more detail,” Wang said. “It is not very likely there is life on any of these planets though, but who knows — the universe likes to surprise us.”

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Abel Méndez, director of the Planetary Habitability Laboratory at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo, chose Proxima Centauri b as his favorite.

Méndez said that with new telescopes, we should be able to see “land and ocean areas. Information about the atmosphere and surface properties would provide definitive evidence to confirm whether these are really habitable worlds.”

Two Hot Jupiters

Kelt-11b is a hot Jupiter that was first reported in 2017 with the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope. The planet is special to Kate Isaak, project scientist for the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS spacecraft, launched in 2019, because it was the first light curve, a measurement of a star’s brightness that reveals exoplanets,&nbsp;ever studied by the observatory.

“We were able to determine its size with an accuracy five times better than from Earth, setting the uncertainty in its size to around 4,200 kilometres,” Isaak said, adding that it proved the scientific potential of the CHEOPS space telescope.

Luis Calçada, a science visualization artist who works with the European Southern Observatory, chose another hot Jupiter: Vega b.

“This star, which is only 25 light-years away from us, is central to Carl Sagan’s novel ‘Contact,’ ” Calçada said. He said the book sparked an interest that led him “to pursue a university degree in astronomy. After that, I built a career as a science illustrator. So this book, Carl Sagan and Vega have been present in a defining moment of my life. So seeing a planet being discovered around it was very exciting.”

Small but Fascinating

During his years on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Wil Wheaton became familiar with fictional worlds and new forms of life. He picked YZ Ceti b, which is slightly smaller than Earth and orbits a red dwarf located 12 light-years away, making it tantalizingly close for further study.

“It doesn’t make sense that, in a universe as vast as ours, we are the only intelligent (sentient) species,” Wheaton said in an email. “So when I look out into the night sky, I don’t just imagine that someone else is looking back. I know they are.”

He added that proof was unlikely to come in our lifetimes, so “our most urgent challenge as a species right now is to take care of the only planet we can live on so that generations from now, in a future so far away we cannot imagine what it will look like, our descendants can make first contact.”

Puff Up Your Imagination

At just 500 million years old, Kepler-51 is among the youngest star systems on this list. But though it is still a baby in astronomical terms, the system is already home to multiple planets with enigmatic properties, said Peter Gao, a staff scientist at the Carnegie Institution for Science.

Gao said the system’s three planets were nicknamed “super puffs,” with extremely low density that brings to mind Styrofoam or cotton candy and “challenge our understanding of how planets form and how they evolve.”

He added that, “I like them because I like a good mystery, and their existence has shown that the universe is always more imaginative than we are.”

In January 1992, a pair of astronomers reported a discovery that changed the course of scientific history: They found planets outside our solar system. The detection of the first confirmed exoplanets — the term for worlds that orbit other stars — validated dreamers who for centuries believed that “innumerable celestial bodies, stars, globes, suns and earths may be sensibly perceived therein by us,” in the words of the Renaissance polymath Giordano Bruno.

In January 1992, a pair of astronomers reported a discovery that changed the course of scientific history: They found planets outside our solar system. The detection of the first confirmed exoplanets — the term for worlds that orbit other stars — validated dreamers who for centuries believed that “innumerable celestial bodies, stars, globes, suns and earths may be sensibly perceived therein by us,” in the words of the Renaissance polymath Giordano Bruno. One such detection — the world 51 Pegasi b in 1995 — led to the award of the 2019 Nobel Prize in physics to Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz. Now, 30 years later, the list of known exoplanets has just topped 5,000, according to NASA. This dazzling abundance and variety of worlds has come into view with the aid of ever-more sophisticated space telescopes. There are “hot Jupiters” that orbit scorchingly close to their stars and beefed-up versions of our planet known as “super-Earths.” Rogue planets, unmoored from their stars, wander interstellar space. And some worlds show signs of habitability, meaning they could host alien life. To celebrate the milestone, experts and enthusiasts shared their favourite exoplanets or exoplanetary systems among the thousands of worlds to choose from. A Dead Star’s Worlds Poltergeist and Phobetor were the first confirmed exoplanets ever spotted. Alexander Wolszczan and Dale Frail detected the planets orbiting a neutron star, a type of dead star, using the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico. “Not only did this discovery precede further confirmed exoplanet discoveries by three years, Poltergeist and Phobetor were the first exoplanets with Earth-like masses and the first multiplanet system,” said Frail, an astronomer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. “This discovery suggested that, if you can make planets around a neutron star, they should be common around all kinds of stars,” said Wolszczan, a professor at Pennsylvania State University. No Doubt About It Though Poltergeist and Phobetor were the first confirmed exoplanets in history, an absolutely humongous gas giant nicknamed Tadmor was spotted in 1988 by scientists based in British Columbia. The existence of Tadmor was disputed for years, even by its own discoverers, but was eventually confirmed in 2002. Chris Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut, said that “firsts” are always important to him, which is just one of the reasons that Tadmor is his favourite exoplanet. “Part of the reason I like it is that it was detected by three Canadians,” said Hadfield, referring to Bruce Campbell, Gordon Walker and Stephenson Yang, “and they just couldn’t believe it.” “To me, since it’s the first one, it’s the one I think ends up being the most historic and at this point, the most interesting,” he added. Seven-in-One With seven rocky planets and a location just 40 light-years from Earth, the TRAPPIST-1 system is a fan favourite. Lisa Kaltenegger, director of the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University, noted that the system had four planets in the habitable zone — the region around a star where liquid water could potentially exist. “Wouldn’t it be incredible to find more than one habitable world around one star?” Kaltenegger said. (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) Tim Pyle, a multimedia producer who helped create some of the well-known visualizations of TRAPPIST-1 for NASA, noted that the view from these planets would be surreal. “Having seven roughly Earth-sized planets around a single star excites my imagination,” Pyle said. “And they’re so close together that they would be looming fixtures in each other’s sky in a breathtaking way. Imagine lying on the deck of a boat on a TRAPPIST-1e ocean, looking above you, and seeing other planets as large as we see the full moon from Earth!” Precocious Planets TOI-1233, a sunlike star more than 200 light-years from Earth, contains five known exoplanets. Four of these worlds were spotted in 2020. “TOI-1233 is an outstanding planetary system with its high number of transiting planets, sunlike host star and its proximity to the solar system,” said Tansu Daylan, a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Daylan detected the system with Jasmine Wright and Kartik Pinglé, who were both high school students at the time. “This system is dear to my heart because it represents my first hands-on research experience in astrophysics,” said Wright, who is now studying the subject and computer science at the University of Colorado Boulder. “Since I was 7 years old, it’s been my goal to become an astrophysicist and work for NASA, and discovering this system brought me that chance sooner than expected.” Pinglé, a senior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Massachusetts, added that there was much still to be discovered at TOI-1233. “It is a prime candidate for follow-up observation, particularly from the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope,” he said. A Super-Saturn, Maybe The possible exoplanet J1407b is nicknamed “super-Saturn” and “Lord of the Rings” because its ring system appears to stretch as far as Earth is from the sun. Ann Druyan, who created the original television series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage” with her husband, Carl Sagan, and is the creative force behind its two recent iterations, said this world made an impression on her. “It was an indication of what the variety of worlds, similar to the variety of life, could be,” she said. Doubts have been raised about the original detection of J1407b. That also appeals to Druyan. “I love the idea that it might be there and it might not be there,” she said. “It’s a product of this relentless searching, this sacred searching, we’ve been doing for roughly 400 years.” An Ancient Super-Earth More than half of the 5,000 known exoplanets were spotted by Kepler, a workhorse NASA space telescope that retired in 2018. Out of them all, William Borucki, Kepler’s principal investigator, has a clear favorite: Kepler-62f, a super-Earth about 1,000 light-years from Earth. “It is in the habitable zone. It is similar in size to the Earth. It could be a rocky world or a water world,” he said in an email. “It orbits a star similar to but older than our sun.” He added, “Any life on the planet could be much more advanced because the planet and any life on it would/could be that much older than terrestrial life and therefore be of special interest.” Crazy Ex-Lava Monster Kepler-10b was the first rocky planet to be discovered by the Kepler telescope, in 2011. The planet is slightly larger in size than Earth, and about four times as massive. But its temperature exceeds 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit because of its close orbit around its star, making it a nightmarish world. “I love Kepler-10b because it’s the size of Earth but with a lava ocean, so I like to imagine it’s an alternate version of Earth with an alternate version of myself living on that planet,” said actress Rachel Bloom. But instead of being the co-creator and star of the TV show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” Bloom said the Kepler-10b version of herself would be “a fearsome lava monster who still likes show tunes.” So Close, Yet So Far Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf that is part of the three-star Alpha Centauri system, is our star’s closest neighbour, just 4 light-years away. Over the past few years, scientists have spotted three exoplanets, Proxima b, c and d — which are especially captivating to Sharon Xuesong Wang, a scientist at Tsinghua University in Beijing. “I think within our lifetime, there’s a chance that we could see a mission actually flying somewhere closer to the system to study the planets in more detail,” Wang said. “It is not very likely there is life on any of these planets though, but who knows — the universe likes to surprise us.” (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) Abel Méndez, director of the Planetary Habitability Laboratory at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo, chose Proxima Centauri b as his favorite. Méndez said that with new telescopes, we should be able to see “land and ocean areas. Information about the atmosphere and surface properties would provide definitive evidence to confirm whether these are really habitable worlds.” Two Hot Jupiters Kelt-11b is a hot Jupiter that was first reported in 2017 with the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope. The planet is special to Kate Isaak, project scientist for the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS spacecraft, launched in 2019, because it was the first light curve, a measurement of a star’s brightness that reveals exoplanets, ever studied by the observatory. “We were able to determine its size with an accuracy five times better than from Earth, setting the uncertainty in its size to around 4,200 kilometres,” Isaak said, adding that it proved the scientific potential of the CHEOPS space telescope. Luis Calçada, a science visualization artist who works with the European Southern Observatory, chose another hot Jupiter: Vega b. “This star, which is only 25 light-years away from us, is central to Carl Sagan’s novel ‘Contact,’ ” Calçada said. He said the book sparked an interest that led him “to pursue a university degree in astronomy. After that, I built a career as a science illustrator. So this book, Carl Sagan and Vega have been present in a defining moment of my life. So seeing a planet being discovered around it was very exciting.” Small but Fascinating During his years on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Wil Wheaton became familiar with fictional worlds and new forms of life. He picked YZ Ceti b, which is slightly smaller than Earth and orbits a red dwarf located 12 light-years away, making it tantalizingly close for further study. “It doesn’t make sense that, in a universe as vast as ours, we are the only intelligent (sentient) species,” Wheaton said in an email. “So when I look out into the night sky, I don’t just imagine that someone else is looking back. I know they are.” He added that proof was unlikely to come in our lifetimes, so “our most urgent challenge as a species right now is to take care of the only planet we can live on so that generations from now, in a future so far away we cannot imagine what it will look like, our descendants can make first contact.” Puff Up Your Imagination At just 500 million years old, Kepler-51 is among the youngest star systems on this list. But though it is still a baby in astronomical terms, the system is already home to multiple planets with enigmatic properties, said Peter Gao, a staff scientist at the Carnegie Institution for Science. Gao said the system’s three planets were nicknamed “super puffs,” with extremely low density that brings to mind Styrofoam or cotton candy and “challenge our understanding of how planets form and how they evolve.” He added that, “I like them because I like a good mystery, and their existence has shown that the universe is always more imaginative than we are.”

Imagine another world. Now imagine 5,000 more

NASA has confirmed that there are now more than 5,000 confirmed planets beyond our solar system.&nbsp;

"It's not just a number," said Jessie Christiansen, science lead for the archive and a research scientist with the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, in a statement.&nbsp;

"Each one of them is a new world, a brand-new planet. I get excited about everyone because we don't know anything about them."

It's a groundbreaking moment for the fairly young field of exoplanet science and experts estimate that there are likely billions of exoplanets waiting to be found.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-spitzer-space-telescope-spots-star-sized-debris-cloud-from-distant-collision-465743" hreflang="en">NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope spots star-sized debris cloud from distant collision</a>

In the 30 years that have passed since two planets were found orbiting pulsar PSR1257+12, the field of exoplanet science has exploded. New missions, instruments, and detection techniques have proliferated, and with them the discoveries of all sorts of alien worlds.

The 5,000-plus planets found so far include small, rocky worlds like Earth, gas giants many times larger than Jupiter, and “hot Jupiters” in scorchingly close orbits around their stars.&nbsp;

There are “super-Earths,” which are possible rocky worlds bigger than our own, and “mini-Neptunes,” smaller versions of our system’s Neptune. Add to the mix planets orbiting two stars at once and planets stubbornly orbiting the collapsed remnants of dead stars.

Our galaxy likely holds hundreds of billions of such planets. The steady drumbeat of discovery began in 1992 with strange new worlds orbiting an even stranger star. It was a type of neutron star known as a pulsar, a rapidly spinning stellar corpse that pulses with millisecond bursts of searing radiation. Measuring slight changes in the timing of the pulses allowed scientists to reveal planets in orbit around the pulsar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-esa-solar-orbiter-clicks-the-most-detailed-pictures-of-the-sun-take-a-look-465533" hreflang="en">NASA-ESA solar orbiter clicks the most detailed pictures of the Sun. Take a look!</a>

Finding just three planets around this spinning star essentially opened the floodgates, said Alexander Wolszczan, the lead author on the paper that, 30 years ago, unveiled the first planets to be confirmed outside our solar system.

“If you can find planets around a neutron star, planets have to be basically everywhere,” Wolszczan said. “The planet production process has to be very robust.”

Wolszczan, who still searches for exoplanets as a professor at Penn State, says we’re opening an era of discovery that will go beyond simply adding new planets to the list.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-solar-physics-mysterious-vortex-waves-discovered-on-the-sun-travelling-faster-than-expected-465470" hreflang="en">New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected</a>

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), launched in 2018, continues to make new exoplanet discoveries. But soon powerful next-generation telescopes and their highly sensitive instruments, starting with the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope, will capture light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, reading which gases are present to potentially identify tell-tale signs of habitable conditions.

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, expected to launch in 2027, will make new exoplanet discoveries using a variety of methods. The ESA (European Space Agency) mission ARIEL, launching in 2029, will observe exoplanet atmospheres; a piece of NASA technology aboard, called CASE, will help zero in on exoplanet clouds and hazes.

“To my thinking, it is inevitable that we’ll find some kind of life somewhere – most likely of some primitive kind,” Wolszczan said. The close connection between the chemistry of life on Earth and chemistry found throughout the universe, as well as the detection of widespread organic molecules, suggests detection of life itself is only a matter of time, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA has confirmed that there are now more than 5,000 confirmed planets beyond our solar system. "It's not just a number," said Jessie Christiansen, science lead for the archive and a research scientist with the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, in a statement.

NASA has confirmed that there are now more than 5,000 confirmed planets beyond our solar system. "It's not just a number," said Jessie Christiansen, science lead for the archive and a research scientist with the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, in a statement. "Each one of them is a new world, a brand-new planet. I get excited about everyone because we don't know anything about them." It's a groundbreaking moment for the fairly young field of exoplanet science and experts estimate that there are likely billions of exoplanets waiting to be found. Also read | NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope spots star-sized debris cloud from distant collision In the 30 years that have passed since two planets were found orbiting pulsar PSR1257+12, the field of exoplanet science has exploded. New missions, instruments, and detection techniques have proliferated, and with them the discoveries of all sorts of alien worlds. The 5,000-plus planets found so far include small, rocky worlds like Earth, gas giants many times larger than Jupiter, and “hot Jupiters” in scorchingly close orbits around their stars. There are “super-Earths,” which are possible rocky worlds bigger than our own, and “mini-Neptunes,” smaller versions of our system’s Neptune. Add to the mix planets orbiting two stars at once and planets stubbornly orbiting the collapsed remnants of dead stars. Our galaxy likely holds hundreds of billions of such planets. The steady drumbeat of discovery began in 1992 with strange new worlds orbiting an even stranger star. It was a type of neutron star known as a pulsar, a rapidly spinning stellar corpse that pulses with millisecond bursts of searing radiation. Measuring slight changes in the timing of the pulses allowed scientists to reveal planets in orbit around the pulsar. Also read | NASA-ESA solar orbiter clicks the most detailed pictures of the Sun. Take a look! Finding just three planets around this spinning star essentially opened the floodgates, said Alexander Wolszczan, the lead author on the paper that, 30 years ago, unveiled the first planets to be confirmed outside our solar system. “If you can find planets around a neutron star, planets have to be basically everywhere,” Wolszczan said. “The planet production process has to be very robust.” Wolszczan, who still searches for exoplanets as a professor at Penn State, says we’re opening an era of discovery that will go beyond simply adding new planets to the list. Also read | New solar physics? Mysterious vortex waves discovered on the Sun travelling faster than expected The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), launched in 2018, continues to make new exoplanet discoveries. But soon powerful next-generation telescopes and their highly sensitive instruments, starting with the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope, will capture light from the atmospheres of exoplanets, reading which gases are present to potentially identify tell-tale signs of habitable conditions. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, expected to launch in 2027, will make new exoplanet discoveries using a variety of methods. The ESA (European Space Agency) mission ARIEL, launching in 2029, will observe exoplanet atmospheres; a piece of NASA technology aboard, called CASE, will help zero in on exoplanet clouds and hazes. “To my thinking, it is inevitable that we’ll find some kind of life somewhere – most likely of some primitive kind,” Wolszczan said. The close connection between the chemistry of life on Earth and chemistry found throughout the universe, as well as the detection of widespread organic molecules, suggests detection of life itself is only a matter of time, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA confirms existence of more than 5,000 planets beyond our solar system

The number of confirmed exoplanets just surpassed 5,000, marking the culmination of a 30-year journey. In a milestone celebration, NASA announced that its space telescopes helped confirm thousands of new exoplanets.&nbsp;

In the not-so-distant past, there were only a few known planets. However, a flurry of recent discoveries has marked a scientific high point: more than 5,000 planets are now confirmed to exist beyond our solar system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-slows-down-star-formation-in-a-galaxy-this-is-the-answer-464620" hreflang="en">What slows down star-formation in a galaxy? This is the answer</a>

In March, the NASA Exoplanet Archive added 65 new exoplanets - planets outside our solar system - to the planetary odometer. The archive contains exoplanet discoveries that appeared in peer-reviewed scientific papers and have been confirmed through multiple detection methods or analytical methods.

Planets found to date range from small, rocky worlds like Earth to gas giants much larger than Jupiter and “hot Jupiters” that orbit in scorchingly close orbits around their stars. Additionally, there are "super-Earths," giant rocky worlds that might be larger than our own. As well as "mini-Neptunes" which are smaller versions of our solar system's Neptune.&nbsp;

<img alt="Exoplanets" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84fef865-f32c-4d6a-8661-1a548e7fea27" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_181.jpg" />

(Illustration Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

As far as we know, our galaxy likely contains hundreds of billions of such planets.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-galaxy-with-split-personality-heres-what-we-mean-by-this-464411" hreflang="en">A galaxy with split personality? Here's what we mean by this</a>

Jessie Christiansen, science lead for the archive and a research scientist at Caltech's NASA Exoplanet Science Institute, explained that it is more than just a number.

“Each one of them is a new world, a brand-new planet. I get excited about every one because we don’t know anything about them.”

Alexander Wolszczan, a professor at Penn State who searches for exoplanets, believes we are entering a period of discovery that will go beyond simply adding new planets to the list.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;A new frontier in space exploration

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-new-frontier-in-space-exploration-439824/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“To my thinking, it is inevitable that we’ll find some kind of life somewhere – most likely of some primitive kind,” Wolszczan said.

He pointed out the close relationship between the chemistry of life on Earth and chemistry found in the universe, together with widespread organic molecules, makes the discovery of the existence of life elsewhere only a matter of time.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of confirmed exoplanets just surpassed 5,000, marking the culmination of a 30-year journey. In a milestone celebration, NASA announced that its space telescopes helped confirm thousands of new exoplanets.

The number of confirmed exoplanets just surpassed 5,000, marking the culmination of a 30-year journey. In a milestone celebration, NASA announced that its space telescopes helped confirm thousands of new exoplanets. In the not-so-distant past, there were only a few known planets. However, a flurry of recent discoveries has marked a scientific high point: more than 5,000 planets are now confirmed to exist beyond our solar system. Also read | What slows down star-formation in a galaxy? This is the answer In March, the NASA Exoplanet Archive added 65 new exoplanets - planets outside our solar system - to the planetary odometer. The archive contains exoplanet discoveries that appeared in peer-reviewed scientific papers and have been confirmed through multiple detection methods or analytical methods. Planets found to date range from small, rocky worlds like Earth to gas giants much larger than Jupiter and “hot Jupiters” that orbit in scorchingly close orbits around their stars. Additionally, there are "super-Earths," giant rocky worlds that might be larger than our own. As well as "mini-Neptunes" which are smaller versions of our solar system's Neptune. (Illustration Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech) As far as we know, our galaxy likely contains hundreds of billions of such planets. Also read | A galaxy with split personality? Here's what we mean by this Jessie Christiansen, science lead for the archive and a research scientist at Caltech's NASA Exoplanet Science Institute, explained that it is more than just a number. “Each one of them is a new world, a brand-new planet. I get excited about every one because we don’t know anything about them.” Alexander Wolszczan, a professor at Penn State who searches for exoplanets, believes we are entering a period of discovery that will go beyond simply adding new planets to the list. Watch | A new frontier in space exploration “To my thinking, it is inevitable that we’ll find some kind of life somewhere – most likely of some primitive kind,” Wolszczan said. He pointed out the close relationship between the chemistry of life on Earth and chemistry found in the universe, together with widespread organic molecules, makes the discovery of the existence of life elsewhere only a matter of time. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA confirms a 'celestial milestone', 5000 exoplanets confirmed so far

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there. We continued to gaze into the space nonetheless.

One of main thrusts of our skywatching has been to find exoplanets, and some that would possibly harbour life! But everything doesn't always go according to plan and our observations sometimes are not that accurate. That's life we suppose.

Astronomers have 'lost' three exoplanets. This means that these three space objects, previously considered to be exoplanets are not planets at all.&nbsp;

The objects Kepler-854b, Kepler-840b, and Kepler-699b have appeared to be too big to be exoplanets. So what are they?&nbsp;

Scientists think that they are stars!

Another object, Kepler-747b is considered to be a borderline case to qualify as a planet.

How are exoplanets discovered?

Planets may be notoriously hard to spot as, unlike stars, they do not emit their own light. So how are they found?

We can spot the light coming from a star. When a planet comes in between the star and us, there is a slight decrease or 'dip' in the light caught by our sophisticated lenses pointed at the sky.

As the tech is advancing, we are making use of newer techniques to accurately find exoplanets.

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there.

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there. We continued to gaze into the space nonetheless. One of main thrusts of our skywatching has been to find exoplanets, and some that would possibly harbour life! But everything doesn't always go according to plan and our observations sometimes are not that accurate. That's life we suppose. Astronomers have 'lost' three exoplanets. This means that these three space objects, previously considered to be exoplanets are not planets at all. The objects Kepler-854b, Kepler-840b, and Kepler-699b have appeared to be too big to be exoplanets. So what are they? Scientists think that they are stars! Another object, Kepler-747b is considered to be a borderline case to qualify as a planet. How are exoplanets discovered? Planets may be notoriously hard to spot as, unlike stars, they do not emit their own light. So how are they found? We can spot the light coming from a star. When a planet comes in between the star and us, there is a slight decrease or 'dip' in the light caught by our sophisticated lenses pointed at the sky. As the tech is advancing, we are making use of newer techniques to accurately find exoplanets.

Three exoplanets have been 'lost', here's what's the deal

Astronomers have identified over 360 previously unknown exoplanets in a new study.

The data for the research was collected from the retired Kepler space telescope.

Planets discovered outside our solar system are called exoplanets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-satellite-galaxies-may-have-vanished-from-milky-way-431952" hreflang="en">Study reveals satellite galaxies may have vanished from Milky Way</a>

Scientists developed an algorithm for identifying dips in stellar brightness that indicates the presence of an orbiting exoplanet.

The study, conducted by the University of California, has published in 'The Astronomical Journal.'

According to astronomer Erik Petigura, "Discovering hundreds of new exoplanets is a significant accomplishment by itself, but what sets this work apart is how it will illuminate features of the exoplanet population as a whole."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/want-to-become-a-space-tourist-here-is-all-you-need-to-do-399437" hreflang="en">Want to become a space tourist? Here is all you need to do</a>

The Kepler space telescope was launched into Earth-trailing heliocentric orbit two decades ago. Since then, it has been collecting data for essential projects.

UCLA astronomer Jon Zink believes ''The discovery of each new world provides a unique glimpse into the physics that play a role in planet formation.''

Scientists have discovered more than 4,300 exoplanets. Some have been large gas planets akin to Jupiter.

Others have been smaller, rocky Earth-like worlds, the kind considered candidates for harboring life, but currently available scientific instruments tell us little about their atmospheres.

(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers have identified over 360 previously unknown exoplanets in a new study. The data for the research was collected from the retired Kepler space telescope.

Astronomers have identified over 360 previously unknown exoplanets in a new study. The data for the research was collected from the retired Kepler space telescope. Planets discovered outside our solar system are called exoplanets. Also read | Study reveals satellite galaxies may have vanished from Milky Way Scientists developed an algorithm for identifying dips in stellar brightness that indicates the presence of an orbiting exoplanet. The study, conducted by the University of California, has published in 'The Astronomical Journal.' According to astronomer Erik Petigura, "Discovering hundreds of new exoplanets is a significant accomplishment by itself, but what sets this work apart is how it will illuminate features of the exoplanet population as a whole." Also see | Want to become a space tourist? Here is all you need to do The Kepler space telescope was launched into Earth-trailing heliocentric orbit two decades ago. Since then, it has been collecting data for essential projects. UCLA astronomer Jon Zink believes ''The discovery of each new world provides a unique glimpse into the physics that play a role in planet formation.'' Scientists have discovered more than 4,300 exoplanets. Some have been large gas planets akin to Jupiter. Others have been smaller, rocky Earth-like worlds, the kind considered candidates for harboring life, but currently available scientific instruments tell us little about their atmospheres. (With inputs from agencies)

'Incredible milestone': Astronomers identify over 360 previous unknown exoplanets

A new discovery made by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory is baffling astronomers.

Potentially representing what would be the first planet seen to transit a star outside of the Milky Way, scientists have found evidence for a possible planet candidate in the M51 ("Whirlpool") galaxy.

It is located about 28 million light-years away from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).

The study, led by&nbsp;Rosanne Di Stefano from the&nbsp;Centre&nbsp;for Astrophysics,&nbsp;was published today in Nature Astronomy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/blue-origin-owner-jeff-bezos-unveils-plan-to-build-commercial-space-station-424048" hreflang="en">Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos unveils plan to build commercial space station</a>

''We are trying to open up a whole new arena for finding other worlds by searching for planet candidates at X-ray wavelengths, a strategy that makes it possible to discover them in other galaxies, said&nbsp;Di Stefano.

Astronomers used the transit technique to detect a dimming of X-rays from an "X-ray binary" which they believe is a planet passing in front of the neutron star or black hole.

Stars burst to life within clouds of interstellar gas and dust scattered throughout galaxies.

Leftover material spinning around a new star then coalesces into planets, and circumplanetary disks surrounding some planets similarly yield moons.

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More than 4,400 planets have been discovered outside our solar system, called exoplanets.

Scientists have discovered exoplanets using transits with optical light telescopes, which detect the range of light humans can see with their eyes and more.

This includes both ground-based telescopes and space-based ones like NASA's Kepler mission.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oxygen-sucking-asteroids-could-have-permanently-altered-earths-atmosphere-422864" hreflang="en">Oxygen sucking asteroids could have permanently altered Earth's atmosphere</a>

These optical light transit detections require very high levels of sensitivity because the planet is much smaller than the star it passes in front of, and, therefore, only a tiny fraction of the light is blocked.&nbsp;

NASA expects to pinpoint thousands more previously unknown worlds, perhaps hundreds of them Earth-sized or ''super-Earth''&nbsp;sized which will&nbsp;not be any larger than or twice as big as our home planet.

Scientists are eager to learn more about how they are born as cold gas and dust consolidate in these disks surrounding new stars.

Those are believed the most likely to feature rocky surfaces or oceans and are thus considered the best candidates for life to evolve. 
&nbsp;

A new discovery made by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory is baffling astronomers. Potentially representing what would be the first planet seen to transit a star outside of the Milky Way, scientists have found evidence for a possible planet candidate in the M51 ("Whirlpool") galaxy.

A new discovery made by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory is baffling astronomers. Potentially representing what would be the first planet seen to transit a star outside of the Milky Way, scientists have found evidence for a possible planet candidate in the M51 ("Whirlpool") galaxy. It is located about 28 million light-years away from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km). The study, led by Rosanne Di Stefano from the Centre for Astrophysics, was published today in Nature Astronomy. Also read | Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos unveils plan to build commercial space station ''We are trying to open up a whole new arena for finding other worlds by searching for planet candidates at X-ray wavelengths, a strategy that makes it possible to discover them in other galaxies, said Di Stefano. Astronomers used the transit technique to detect a dimming of X-rays from an "X-ray binary" which they believe is a planet passing in front of the neutron star or black hole. Stars burst to life within clouds of interstellar gas and dust scattered throughout galaxies. Leftover material spinning around a new star then coalesces into planets, and circumplanetary disks surrounding some planets similarly yield moons. Also see | Want to become a space tourist? Here is all you need to do More than 4,400 planets have been discovered outside our solar system, called exoplanets. Scientists have discovered exoplanets using transits with optical light telescopes, which detect the range of light humans can see with their eyes and more. This includes both ground-based telescopes and space-based ones like NASA's Kepler mission. Also read | Oxygen sucking asteroids could have permanently altered Earth's atmosphere These optical light transit detections require very high levels of sensitivity because the planet is much smaller than the star it passes in front of, and, therefore, only a tiny fraction of the light is blocked. NASA expects to pinpoint thousands more previously unknown worlds, perhaps hundreds of them Earth-sized or ''super-Earth'' sized which will not be any larger than or twice as big as our home planet. Scientists are eager to learn more about how they are born as cold gas and dust consolidate in these disks surrounding new stars. Those are believed the most likely to feature rocky surfaces or oceans and are thus considered the best candidates for life to evolve.

Planet outside Milky Way galaxy: This unique discovery is baffling scientists

It perhaps is a dream of all of us to find a new planet or a star. If the discovery is vital enough, they even may give the planet our name. But not all of us have the scientific know-how to actually do that and all we can do is dream.

But now in our connected world, anything is possible. And if you really want to help scientists discover a new planet, all you need is a web browser and the internet.

The mission is to observe changes in brightness of stars. If a planet comes between us and the star, the star may dim in a certain way indicating presence of the planet.

There is a lot of data to sift through. The images and data has been captured by NGTS telescopes based at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Paranal Observatory in Chile.

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The NGTS telescope captures images of thousands of stars in the space.

So why don't our softwares find the planets? Astronomers have been quoted in media reports as saying that current softwares do not capture the dimming effectively. They may miss a dimming star or falsely report presence of a planet. That's where volunteers come in.

If you are interested, you can head to Planet Hunters NGST page to get started. And if you think all the exercise is futile, remember that a mechanic in Australia has already found an unusual four-planet solar system.

It perhaps is a dream of all of us to find a new planet or a star. If the discovery is vital enough, they even may give the planet our name. But not all of us have the scientific know-how to actually do that and all we can do is dream.

It perhaps is a dream of all of us to find a new planet or a star. If the discovery is vital enough, they even may give the planet our name. But not all of us have the scientific know-how to actually do that and all we can do is dream. But now in our connected world, anything is possible. And if you really want to help scientists discover a new planet, all you need is a web browser and the internet. The mission is to observe changes in brightness of stars. If a planet comes between us and the star, the star may dim in a certain way indicating presence of the planet. There is a lot of data to sift through. The images and data has been captured by NGTS telescopes based at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Paranal Observatory in Chile. Also Read | Jupiter collides with a space rock, collision causes flash in its atmosphere The NGTS telescope captures images of thousands of stars in the space. So why don't our softwares find the planets? Astronomers have been quoted in media reports as saying that current softwares do not capture the dimming effectively. They may miss a dimming star or falsely report presence of a planet. That's where volunteers come in. If you are interested, you can head to Planet Hunters NGST page to get started. And if you think all the exercise is futile, remember that a mechanic in Australia has already found an unusual four-planet solar system.

Scientists want you to help them discover new planets, here's how

Astronomers have identified a&nbsp;class of 'hycean' exoplanets that could prove fruitful in search of alien life as per a new study.

The existence of extraterrestrial life long has been one of the paramount questions of science.

Researchers have used probes and telescopes to seek “biosignatures,”&nbsp;indirect signs of life, on other planets and moons in our solar system and beyond.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-administrator-bill-nelson-hints-at-possibility-of-alien-life-in-new-interview-394678">NASA administrator Bill Nelson hints at possibility of alien life in new interview</a>

The&nbsp;exoplanets clad in a global ocean, with atmospheres rich in hydrogen, could host life as we know it.

Phosphine, a phosphorus atom with three hydrogen atoms attached,&nbsp;is highly toxic to people.

According to&nbsp;Nikku Madhusudhan from Cambridge University's Institute of Astronomy,&nbsp;"Some of the conditions in the oceans of these worlds could be similar to habitable conditions in Earth's oceans, i.e. similar temperatures and pressures, presence of liquid water and energy from the star."

"There are many open questions but this is only a first guess at this stage. The assumption is that if microbial aquatic life can form in these oceans in the same manner as they did on Earth then some of the biosignatures may also be common."

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Earth-based telescopes like those used in this research help scientists study the chemistry and other characteristics of celestial objects.

The research continues to either confirm the presence of life or find an alternative explanation.

Scientists have discovered more than 4,300 exoplanets. Some have been large gas planets akin to Jupiter. Others have been smaller, rocky Earth-like worlds, the kind considered candidates for harboring life, but currently available scientific instruments tell us little about their atmospheres.

Previously, researchers spotted a planet orbiting a star relatively near our solar system that may offer a prime opportunity to study the atmosphere of a rocky Earth-like alien world - the type of research that could aid the hunt for extraterrestrial life.

The planet, called Gliese 486 b and classified as a ‘super-Earth,’ is not itself a promising candidate as a refuge for life. It is thought to be inhospitable - hot and dry like Venus, with possible rivers of lava flowing on its surface.

But its proximity to Earth and its physical traits make it well suited for a study of its atmosphere with the next generation of space-borne and ground-based telescopes, starting with the James Webb Space Telescope that NASA has slated for an October launch.

These could give scientists data to be able to decipher the atmospheres of other exoplanets, planets beyond our solar system,&nbsp;including ones that may host life.

(With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers have identified a class of 'hycean' exoplanets that could prove fruitful in search of alien life as per a new study. The existence of extraterrestrial life long has been one of the paramount questions of science.

Astronomers have identified a class of 'hycean' exoplanets that could prove fruitful in search of alien life as per a new study. The existence of extraterrestrial life long has been one of the paramount questions of science. Researchers have used probes and telescopes to seek “biosignatures,” indirect signs of life, on other planets and moons in our solar system and beyond. Also read | NASA administrator Bill Nelson hints at possibility of alien life in new interview The exoplanets clad in a global ocean, with atmospheres rich in hydrogen, could host life as we know it. Phosphine, a phosphorus atom with three hydrogen atoms attached, is highly toxic to people. According to Nikku Madhusudhan from Cambridge University's Institute of Astronomy, "Some of the conditions in the oceans of these worlds could be similar to habitable conditions in Earth's oceans, i.e. similar temperatures and pressures, presence of liquid water and energy from the star." "There are many open questions but this is only a first guess at this stage. The assumption is that if microbial aquatic life can form in these oceans in the same manner as they did on Earth then some of the biosignatures may also be common." Earth-based telescopes like those used in this research help scientists study the chemistry and other characteristics of celestial objects. The research continues to either confirm the presence of life or find an alternative explanation. Scientists have discovered more than 4,300 exoplanets. Some have been large gas planets akin to Jupiter. Others have been smaller, rocky Earth-like worlds, the kind considered candidates for harboring life, but currently available scientific instruments tell us little about their atmospheres. Previously, researchers spotted a planet orbiting a star relatively near our solar system that may offer a prime opportunity to study the atmosphere of a rocky Earth-like alien world - the type of research that could aid the hunt for extraterrestrial life. The planet, called Gliese 486 b and classified as a ‘super-Earth,’ is not itself a promising candidate as a refuge for life. It is thought to be inhospitable - hot and dry like Venus, with possible rivers of lava flowing on its surface. But its proximity to Earth and its physical traits make it well suited for a study of its atmosphere with the next generation of space-borne and ground-based telescopes, starting with the James Webb Space Telescope that NASA has slated for an October launch. These could give scientists data to be able to decipher the atmospheres of other exoplanets, planets beyond our solar system, including ones that may host life. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers discover class of 'hycean' exoplanets that could prove fruitful in search for alien life

Astronomers have just detected a disk of dust forming around a planet outside our solar system for the first time.

The disk was detected by astronomers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg. The images were taken by the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array (ALMA) in partnership with the European Southern Observatory (ESO).&nbsp;

This revelation sheds light on how moons and planets are formed in planetary systems that are still in their formative stage. For long, scientists have attempted to fully understand how natural satellites of planets are formed, including the Earth's Moon.

To better understand the process, scientists want to observe the creation of satellites like moon around planets situated outside our solar system, i.e., exoplanets. The exoplanet in question&nbsp;resembles the characteristics of Jupiter and is capable of producing multiple moons.

Myriam Benisty, a researcher at the University of Grenoble in France and the University of Chile and also the lead of the study claims that the research "presents a clear detection of a disk in which satellites could be forming”. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.&nbsp;

"We obtained our ALMA observations at such excellent resolution that we could identify without a doubt that the disk is associated with the planet, and we are able to constrain its size for the first time,” Max Planck Institute for Astronomy quoted Benisty as&nbsp;saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-solves-40-year-old-mystery-of-jupiters-x-ray-auroras-400739" hreflang="en">NASA solves 40-year-old mystery of Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras</a>

The disk is referred to as a "circumplanetary disk" and surrounds the exoplanet labelled "PDS 70c". The planet bears resemblance to Jupiter and orbits a star situated 400 light-years away.

Earlier, astronomers posited that a moon-forming disk surrounded the planet, but its detection was only confirmed in the study published on July 22, 2021. Scientists claim that the disk has the same distance as Earth does from Sun. The disk accounts for a lot of&nbsp;mass, which could&nbsp;create at least three satellites the size of Earth's&nbsp;Moon!

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/marsquakes-reveal-secrets-of-mars-interior-400155" hreflang="en">Marsquakes reveal secrets of Mars' interior</a>

Astronomers have just detected a disk of dust forming around a planet outside our solar system for the first time. The disk was detected by astronomers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg.

Astronomers have just detected a disk of dust forming around a planet outside our solar system for the first time. The disk was detected by astronomers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg. The images were taken by the Atacama Large Millimetre/Submillimetre Array (ALMA) in partnership with the European Southern Observatory (ESO). This revelation sheds light on how moons and planets are formed in planetary systems that are still in their formative stage. For long, scientists have attempted to fully understand how natural satellites of planets are formed, including the Earth's Moon. To better understand the process, scientists want to observe the creation of satellites like moon around planets situated outside our solar system, i.e., exoplanets. The exoplanet in question resembles the characteristics of Jupiter and is capable of producing multiple moons. Myriam Benisty, a researcher at the University of Grenoble in France and the University of Chile and also the lead of the study claims that the research "presents a clear detection of a disk in which satellites could be forming”. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. "We obtained our ALMA observations at such excellent resolution that we could identify without a doubt that the disk is associated with the planet, and we are able to constrain its size for the first time,” Max Planck Institute for Astronomy quoted Benisty as saying. Also read: NASA solves 40-year-old mystery of Jupiter's X-Ray Auroras The disk is referred to as a "circumplanetary disk" and surrounds the exoplanet labelled "PDS 70c". The planet bears resemblance to Jupiter and orbits a star situated 400 light-years away. Earlier, astronomers posited that a moon-forming disk surrounded the planet, but its detection was only confirmed in the study published on July 22, 2021. Scientists claim that the disk has the same distance as Earth does from Sun. The disk accounts for a lot of mass, which could create at least three satellites the size of Earth's Moon! Also read: Marsquakes reveal secrets of Mars' interior

Astronomers detect first proof of 'moon-forming' ring around far-off exoplanet

Astronomers recently discovered four teenage exoplanets situated 130 light-years away from Earth.

The quartet was was found using data from NASA's TESS mission. Exoplanets are essentially planets that orbit a star outside a solar system, for which reason they're also called extrasolar planets.

The planets orbit two orange dwarf stars, both smaller our Sun and named TOI 2076 and TOI 1808, wherein TOI stands for "TESS Object of Interest".

The two dwarf stars are about 30 light-years apart from each other and are continuously moving in the same direction. They're also about the same age, suggesting that the dwarf stars emerged at the same place and from a single process.

"The planets in both systems are in a transitional, or teenage, phase of their life cycle," Christina Hedges from the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute and NASA's Ames Research Center in California, claimed in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-mesmerising-video-of-jupiters-moon-398894" hreflang="en">NASA posts mesmerising video of Jupiter's moon</a>

Hedges hopes to get a better understanding of older planets spread across systems by learning more about the teenage exoplanets. "They're not newborns, but they're also not settled down", Hedges added.

NASA's TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) telescope has been mapping 75 per cent of the visible sky from Earth since 2018. It looks for changes in light emission from stars, which could point to a planet passing in front of the stars.

The telescope's initial survey was finished in July 2020, but its mission has now been extended up to 2022. Since its launch, the telescope has helped astronomers navigate and pinpoint over 2,000 exoplanet candidates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-was-engulfed-by-solar-wind-for-a-few-hours-noaa-398321" hreflang="en">Earth was engulfed by solar wind for a few hours: NOAA</a>

TOI 2076 has three planets around it, sized between those of Earth and Neptune. On the other hand, TOI 1807 has only one planet orbiting it, which is twice the Earth's size. This planet orbits the sun dangerously close, and scientists believe a a there is equal to 13 hours on Earth. Usually, planets don't form so close to their suns, which is why the interest surrounding it has risen.

The study was published in the July 12 issue of the Astronomical Journal.

Astronomers recently discovered four teenage exoplanets situated 130 light-years away from Earth. The quartet was was found using data from NASA's TESS mission. Exoplanets are essentially planets that orbit a star outside a solar system, for which reason they're also called extrasolar planets.

Astronomers recently discovered four teenage exoplanets situated 130 light-years away from Earth. The quartet was was found using data from NASA's TESS mission. Exoplanets are essentially planets that orbit a star outside a solar system, for which reason they're also called extrasolar planets. The planets orbit two orange dwarf stars, both smaller our Sun and named TOI 2076 and TOI 1808, wherein TOI stands for "TESS Object of Interest". The two dwarf stars are about 30 light-years apart from each other and are continuously moving in the same direction. They're also about the same age, suggesting that the dwarf stars emerged at the same place and from a single process. "The planets in both systems are in a transitional, or teenage, phase of their life cycle," Christina Hedges from the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute and NASA's Ames Research Center in California, claimed in a statement. Also read: NASA posts mesmerising video of Jupiter's moon Hedges hopes to get a better understanding of older planets spread across systems by learning more about the teenage exoplanets. "They're not newborns, but they're also not settled down", Hedges added. NASA's TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) telescope has been mapping 75 per cent of the visible sky from Earth since 2018. It looks for changes in light emission from stars, which could point to a planet passing in front of the stars. The telescope's initial survey was finished in July 2020, but its mission has now been extended up to 2022. Since its launch, the telescope has helped astronomers navigate and pinpoint over 2,000 exoplanet candidates. Also read: Earth was engulfed by solar wind for a few hours: NOAA TOI 2076 has three planets around it, sized between those of Earth and Neptune. On the other hand, TOI 1807 has only one planet orbiting it, which is twice the Earth's size. This planet orbits the sun dangerously close, and scientists believe a a there is equal to 13 hours on Earth. Usually, planets don't form so close to their suns, which is why the interest surrounding it has risen. The study was published in the July 12 issue of the Astronomical Journal.

Scientists find four 'teenage' exoplanets. One of them is really special.

Finding alien life has long been a preoccupation of the human mind. Scientists and artists have both cast their imagination and vision in this direction. Till today though, we haven't heard from our counterparts from space. Bt research in this direction goes on. Hunt for the alien life continues.

Now scientists from the University of Concepción in Chile have concluded that 'rogue planets' in space may have moons with conditions conducive to life. The scientists made a mathematical model and based on this, have concluded that some of the 'exomoons' may have conditions for liquid water as well as atmosphere.

What are rogue planets?

Rogue planets are planets without a star. These planets roam the skies without being bound to a star. Rogue planets may have natural satellites and these are generally referred to as exomoons. Since rogue planets do not have a star, it has no heat source.

But as per the mathematical model drawn up by the scientists, cosmic radiation and gravitational effect of the rogue planet create just enough heat for liquid water and atmosphere to exits. Though the amount of water would be much much less than what it would be on Earth, it may well be the first step towards forming alien life.

Not all life needs light to survive, although Earth derives all its energy from the Sun, there are lifeforms deep, deep within the oceans who survive on heat emitted by Earth. Sunlight does not reach those depths.

It is hence quite possible for life to thrive in the waters of exomoons. We haven't found a conclusive proof of this yet. But imagine if one fine day, we woke up to a proven fact that we are indeed not alone in the universe!

The research by the scientists has been published in scientific journal International Journal of Astrobiology.

Finding alien life has long been a preoccupation of the human mind. Scientists and artists have both cast their imagination and vision in this direction. Till today though, we haven't heard from our counterparts from space.

Finding alien life has long been a preoccupation of the human mind. Scientists and artists have both cast their imagination and vision in this direction. Till today though, we haven't heard from our counterparts from space. Bt research in this direction goes on. Hunt for the alien life continues. Now scientists from the University of Concepción in Chile have concluded that 'rogue planets' in space may have moons with conditions conducive to life. The scientists made a mathematical model and based on this, have concluded that some of the 'exomoons' may have conditions for liquid water as well as atmosphere. What are rogue planets? Rogue planets are planets without a star. These planets roam the skies without being bound to a star. Rogue planets may have natural satellites and these are generally referred to as exomoons. Since rogue planets do not have a star, it has no heat source. But as per the mathematical model drawn up by the scientists, cosmic radiation and gravitational effect of the rogue planet create just enough heat for liquid water and atmosphere to exits. Though the amount of water would be much much less than what it would be on Earth, it may well be the first step towards forming alien life. Not all life needs light to survive, although Earth derives all its energy from the Sun, there are lifeforms deep, deep within the oceans who survive on heat emitted by Earth. Sunlight does not reach those depths. It is hence quite possible for life to thrive in the waters of exomoons. We haven't found a conclusive proof of this yet. But imagine if one fine day, we woke up to a proven fact that we are indeed not alone in the universe! The research by the scientists has been published in scientific journal International Journal of Astrobiology.

Rogue planets with habitable exomoons may have alien life

Six exoplanets with rhythmic movement&nbsp;in a planetary system 200-light years away have been found in a rare orbital dance known as the chain of resonance.

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According to the&nbsp;European Southern Observatory's&nbsp;Very Large Telescope,&nbsp;the system could provide important clues about how planets, including those in the Solar System, form and evolve.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-cosmic-dust-that-holds-the-ingredients-for-star-birth-361703" hreflang="en">Scientists discover cosmic dust that holds the ingredients for star birth</a>

The first time the team observed TOI-178, a star some 200 light-years away in the constellation of Sculptor, they thought they had spotted two planets going around it in the same orbit. However, a closer look revealed something entirely different.

Adrien Leleu from the Université de Genève and the University of Bern, Switzerland, who led a new study of the system published today in&nbsp;Astronomy and&nbsp;Astrophysics said: “Through further observations, we realised that there were not two planets orbiting the star at roughly the same distance from it, but rather multiple planets in a very special configuration.”&nbsp;

This means that there are patterns that repeat themselves as the planets go around the star, with some planets aligning every few orbits. A similar resonance is observed in the orbits of three of Jupiter’s moons: Io, Europa and Ganymede. Io, the closest of the three to Jupiter, completes four full orbits around Jupiter for every orbit that Ganymede, the furthest away, makes, and two full orbits for every orbit Europa makes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/we-can-enter-a-black-hole-but-it-will-be-a-lonely-journey-361210" hreflang="en">We&nbsp;can enter a black hole, but it will be a lonely journey</a>

More than just an orbital curiosity, this dance of resonant planets provides clues about the system’s past. “The orbits in this system are very well ordered, which tells us that this system has evolved quite gently since its birth,” explains co-author Yann Alibert from the University of Bern.

<h4 dir="ltr">Disorder in the rhythmic system</h4>

But even if the arrangement of the orbits is neat and well-ordered, the densities of the planets “are much more disorderly,” says Nathan Hara from the Université de Genève, Switzerland, who was also involved in the study. “It appears there is a planet as dense as the Earth right next to a very fluffy planet with half the density of Neptune, followed by a planet with the density of Neptune. It is not what we are used to.” In our Solar System, for example, the planets are neatly arranged, with the rocky, denser planets closer to the central star and the fluffy, low-density gas planets farther out.

“This contrast between the rhythmic harmony of the orbital motion and the disorderly densities certainly challenges our understanding of the formation and evolution of planetary systems,” says Leleu.

<h4 dir="ltr">Combining techniques</h4>

To investigate the system’s unusual architecture, the team used data from the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS satellite, alongside the ground-based&nbsp;ESPRESSO instrument on ESO’s VLT and the&nbsp;NGTS&nbsp;and&nbsp;SPECULOOS, both sited at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile.

Since exoplanets are extremely tricky to spot directly with telescopes, astronomers must instead rely on other techniques to detect them.

The main methods used are imaging transits, observing the light emitted by the central star, which dims as an exoplanet passes in front of it when observed from the Earth and radial velocities,&nbsp;observing the star’s light spectrum for small signs of wobbles which happen as the exoplanets move in their orbits. The team used both methods to observe the system: CHEOPS, NGTS and SPECULOOS for transits and ESPRESSO for radial velocities.&nbsp;

By combining the two techniques, astronomers were able to gather key information about the system and its planets, which orbit their central star much closer and much faster than the Earth orbits the Sun. The fastest (the innermost planet) completes an orbit in just a couple of days, while the slowest takes about ten times longer. The six planets have sizes ranging from about one to about three times the size of Earth, while their masses are 1.5 to 8 times the mass of Earth. Some of the planets are rocky but larger than Earth — these planets are known as Super-Earths. Others are gas planets, like the outer planets in our Solar System, but they are much smaller — these are nicknamed Mini-Neptunes.

Although none of the six exoplanets found lies in the star's habitable zone, the researchers suggest that, by continuing the resonance chain, they might find additional planets that could exist in or very close to this zone. ESO’s&nbsp;Extremely Large Telescope&nbsp;(ELT), which is set to begin operating this decade, will be able to directly image rocky exoplanets in a star’s habitable zone and even characterise their atmospheres, presenting an opportunity to get to know systems like TOI-178 in even greater detail.

&nbsp;

Six exoplanets with rhythmic movement in a planetary system 200-light years away have been found in a rare orbital dance known as the chain of resonance. According to the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, the system could provide important clues about how planets, including those in the Solar System, form and evolve.

Six exoplanets with rhythmic movement in a planetary system 200-light years away have been found in a rare orbital dance known as the chain of resonance. According to the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, the system could provide important clues about how planets, including those in the Solar System, form and evolve. Also read: Scientists discover cosmic dust that holds the ingredients for star birth The first time the team observed TOI-178, a star some 200 light-years away in the constellation of Sculptor, they thought they had spotted two planets going around it in the same orbit. However, a closer look revealed something entirely different. Adrien Leleu from the Université de Genève and the University of Bern, Switzerland, who led a new study of the system published today in Astronomy and Astrophysics said: “Through further observations, we realised that there were not two planets orbiting the star at roughly the same distance from it, but rather multiple planets in a very special configuration.” This means that there are patterns that repeat themselves as the planets go around the star, with some planets aligning every few orbits. A similar resonance is observed in the orbits of three of Jupiter’s moons: Io, Europa and Ganymede. Io, the closest of the three to Jupiter, completes four full orbits around Jupiter for every orbit that Ganymede, the furthest away, makes, and two full orbits for every orbit Europa makes. Also read: We can enter a black hole, but it will be a lonely journey More than just an orbital curiosity, this dance of resonant planets provides clues about the system’s past. “The orbits in this system are very well ordered, which tells us that this system has evolved quite gently since its birth,” explains co-author Yann Alibert from the University of Bern. Disorder in the rhythmic system But even if the arrangement of the orbits is neat and well-ordered, the densities of the planets “are much more disorderly,” says Nathan Hara from the Université de Genève, Switzerland, who was also involved in the study. “It appears there is a planet as dense as the Earth right next to a very fluffy planet with half the density of Neptune, followed by a planet with the density of Neptune. It is not what we are used to.” In our Solar System, for example, the planets are neatly arranged, with the rocky, denser planets closer to the central star and the fluffy, low-density gas planets farther out. “This contrast between the rhythmic harmony of the orbital motion and the disorderly densities certainly challenges our understanding of the formation and evolution of planetary systems,” says Leleu. Combining techniques To investigate the system’s unusual architecture, the team used data from the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS satellite, alongside the ground-based ESPRESSO instrument on ESO’s VLT and the NGTS and SPECULOOS, both sited at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. Since exoplanets are extremely tricky to spot directly with telescopes, astronomers must instead rely on other techniques to detect them. The main methods used are imaging transits, observing the light emitted by the central star, which dims as an exoplanet passes in front of it when observed from the Earth and radial velocities, observing the star’s light spectrum for small signs of wobbles which happen as the exoplanets move in their orbits. The team used both methods to observe the system: CHEOPS, NGTS and SPECULOOS for transits and ESPRESSO for radial velocities. By combining the two techniques, astronomers were able to gather key information about the system and its planets, which orbit their central star much closer and much faster than the Earth orbits the Sun. The fastest (the innermost planet) completes an orbit in just a couple of days, while the slowest takes about ten times longer. The six planets have sizes ranging from about one to about three times the size of Earth, while their masses are 1.5 to 8 times the mass of Earth. Some of the planets are rocky but larger than Earth — these planets are known as Super-Earths. Others are gas planets, like the outer planets in our Solar System, but they are much smaller — these are nicknamed Mini-Neptunes. Although none of the six exoplanets found lies in the star's habitable zone, the researchers suggest that, by continuing the resonance chain, they might find additional planets that could exist in or very close to this zone. ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which is set to begin operating this decade, will be able to directly image rocky exoplanets in a star’s habitable zone and even characterise their atmospheres, presenting an opportunity to get to know systems like TOI-178 in even greater detail.

'Chain of resonance': Six alien planets with rhythmic movement are locked in a rare orbital dance

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