This theory predicts that black holes emit radiation due to quantum effects near their event horizons, causing them to lose mass and shrink over time.

Would a mini black hole vaporise you? NASA explains the surprising truth

At the University of Nottingham, Professor Silke Weinfurtner is conducting groundbreaking experiments that shed light on the complex laws of physics that govern black holes. She is conducting one such experiment in a high-tech bath tub.

The Guardian reports that Prof. Weinfurtner is a pioneer in the field of analogue gravity, which draws parallels between the mathematics describing fluid systems on Earth and the extreme environments found in the universe. She believes that by studying phenomena in a large, high-tech bath tub, she can unravel the mysteries of black holes.

The bath tub setup has already been used by Prof. Weinfurtner's team to explore Hawking radiation, the process through which black holes are theorised to gradually evaporate and vanish. Now, they are developing a more advanced simulator to gain deeper insights into black hole behaviour.

<h2>Investigating the relation between gravitational fields and quantum fields</h2>

The concept in question here is that the flow of fluid down a plughole mimics the curving of spacetime caused by the intense gravitational field of a black hole. Prof. Weinfurtner highlights that the fundamental principles of physics are universal, and if the mathematics align, physics should follow suit. She considers these analogues as nature's gift, presenting an opportunity to investigate the interaction between gravitational fields and quantum fields—a quest that has captivated physicists for a century.

While individual theories of gravity and quantum mechanics have proven successful in their respective domains, combining them to explain black holes' behaviour has proven elusive. Black holes, where immense mass is concentrated in an infinitesimally small space, bring these two worlds together in a collision that lacks a unifying theoretical framework.

<h2>How the bath tub set up is made?</h2>

In Prof Weinfurtner's new bath tub setup, a tiny vortex within a bell jar of superfluid helium represents the black hole. Cooled to an astonishing -271°C, the helium exhibits quantum effects.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;A new chapter in Indian space odyssey

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Unlike water, which can spin at any speed, the helium vortex can only swirl at fixed values. Ripples on the helium's surface, which are continuously tracked by lasers and a high-resolution camera, simulate radiation approaching a black hole.

<h2>What is superradiance phenomenon being studied by the scientist?</h2>

The upcoming investigations will focus on a phenomenon called superradiance, which predicts that radiation near a black hole can be deflected outwards with more energy than it possessed upon entry, leading to energy extraction and a gradual slowdown of the black hole's rotation. While this phenomenon has only been theorised, Prof Weinfurtner believes that a rotating black hole may exhibit quantum effects akin to those observed in superfluid helium.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indias-chandrayaan-3-is-now-in-space-historic-journey-to-moon-begins-615577">Also read:&nbsp;India`s Chandrayaan-3 is now in space, historic journey to Moon begins</a>

Additionally, the simulator could help make predictions about Hawking radiation and gravitational wave signals generated by merging black holes, detectable by instruments like the LIGO gravitational wave detector.

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At the University of Nottingham, Professor Silke Weinfurtner is conducting groundbreaking experiments that shed light on the complex laws of physics that govern black holes.

At the University of Nottingham, Professor Silke Weinfurtner is conducting groundbreaking experiments that shed light on the complex laws of physics that govern black holes. She is conducting one such experiment in a high-tech bath tub. The Guardian reports that Prof. Weinfurtner is a pioneer in the field of analogue gravity, which draws parallels between the mathematics describing fluid systems on Earth and the extreme environments found in the universe. She believes that by studying phenomena in a large, high-tech bath tub, she can unravel the mysteries of black holes. The bath tub setup has already been used by Prof. Weinfurtner's team to explore Hawking radiation, the process through which black holes are theorised to gradually evaporate and vanish. Now, they are developing a more advanced simulator to gain deeper insights into black hole behaviour. Investigating the relation between gravitational fields and quantum fields The concept in question here is that the flow of fluid down a plughole mimics the curving of spacetime caused by the intense gravitational field of a black hole. Prof. Weinfurtner highlights that the fundamental principles of physics are universal, and if the mathematics align, physics should follow suit. She considers these analogues as nature's gift, presenting an opportunity to investigate the interaction between gravitational fields and quantum fields—a quest that has captivated physicists for a century. While individual theories of gravity and quantum mechanics have proven successful in their respective domains, combining them to explain black holes' behaviour has proven elusive. Black holes, where immense mass is concentrated in an infinitesimally small space, bring these two worlds together in a collision that lacks a unifying theoretical framework. How the bath tub set up is made? In Prof Weinfurtner's new bath tub setup, a tiny vortex within a bell jar of superfluid helium represents the black hole. Cooled to an astonishing -271°C, the helium exhibits quantum effects. Watch: A new chapter in Indian space odyssey × Unlike water, which can spin at any speed, the helium vortex can only swirl at fixed values. Ripples on the helium's surface, which are continuously tracked by lasers and a high-resolution camera, simulate radiation approaching a black hole. What is superradiance phenomenon being studied by the scientist? The upcoming investigations will focus on a phenomenon called superradiance, which predicts that radiation near a black hole can be deflected outwards with more energy than it possessed upon entry, leading to energy extraction and a gradual slowdown of the black hole's rotation. While this phenomenon has only been theorised, Prof Weinfurtner believes that a rotating black hole may exhibit quantum effects akin to those observed in superfluid helium. Also read: India`s Chandrayaan-3 is now in space, historic journey to Moon begins Additionally, the simulator could help make predictions about Hawking radiation and gravitational wave signals generated by merging black holes, detectable by instruments like the LIGO gravitational wave detector. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Understanding black hole through bath tub: UK scientist's groundbreaking experiment

Mars has been favourite candidate of humankind to search for life just next door in our solar system. Martians attacking Earth has been a recurrent theme in movies and books. The theme is so popular that it almost appears that we secretly wish our planet to be invaded by Martians.

So how about an idea that someone is staring at us from the surface of the red planet? The idea sure sends a chill down our spine as it suggests that while we were busy understanding our neighbour by sending spacecrafts, someone (or something!) on the planet instead had its eyes at us.

Latest photograph clicked by European Space Agency (ESA) orbitter sure looks like it!

But thrill seekers among us need to hold their horses for a bit as this photo is of a massive crater on the surface of Mars.

That does not mean it doesn't look scary.

The crater is almost the shape of an eye and complete with a blackened region at the centre. The crater is 30 kilometres across and is located in a region in southern hemisphere of Mars. The region is named Aonia Terra.

This region on Mars features many craters formed due to massive impacts 4 billion years ago. At that time, the solar system was in its infancy and planets were being formed. These infant planets were being battered by huge space rocks that were roaming around in the newly forming solar system.

Earth was battered as well. But much of the evidence of such 'bombardment' was erased to to various natural processes that have been going on for billions of years.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Mars has been favourite candidate of humankind to search for life just next door in our solar system. Martians attacking Earth has been a recurrent theme in movies and books.

Mars has been favourite candidate of humankind to search for life just next door in our solar system. Martians attacking Earth has been a recurrent theme in movies and books. The theme is so popular that it almost appears that we secretly wish our planet to be invaded by Martians. So how about an idea that someone is staring at us from the surface of the red planet? The idea sure sends a chill down our spine as it suggests that while we were busy understanding our neighbour by sending spacecrafts, someone (or something!) on the planet instead had its eyes at us. Latest photograph clicked by European Space Agency (ESA) orbitter sure looks like it! But thrill seekers among us need to hold their horses for a bit as this photo is of a massive crater on the surface of Mars. That does not mean it doesn't look scary. The crater is almost the shape of an eye and complete with a blackened region at the centre. The crater is 30 kilometres across and is located in a region in southern hemisphere of Mars. The region is named Aonia Terra. This region on Mars features many craters formed due to massive impacts 4 billion years ago. At that time, the solar system was in its infancy and planets were being formed. These infant planets were being battered by huge space rocks that were roaming around in the newly forming solar system. Earth was battered as well. But much of the evidence of such 'bombardment' was erased to to various natural processes that have been going on for billions of years. 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 ×

Is someone looking at us from Mars? This creepy photo sure looks like it

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) never fails to amaze us. Not only the US space agency is at the forefront of space exploration and research, but its social media feeds are also widely admired for brearthtaking images and interesting chunks of space info. And it never fails to enthral us.

So what's on the menu this time? An image of Earth, but with a twist.

As the new month dawned, NASA tweeted a pic taken by its Cassini probe that is studying Saturn. The image show Saturn in all its glory with the majestic rings. But also depicts a curious blue dot.

"You are here. 
&nbsp; 
In 2013, the Cassini spacecraft captured this wide-angle view of Saturn and a chunk of its rings. That pale blue dot just below the rings? That’s Earth from about 898 million miles (1.4 billion kilometers) away," says NASA in its tweet.

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You are here. 
 
In 2013, the Cassini spacecraft captured this wide-angle view of Saturn and a chunk of its rings. That pale blue dot just below the rings? That’s Earth from about 898 million miles (1.4 billion kilometers) away. Explore <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASolarSystem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASASolarSystem</a>: <a href="https://t.co/9sLPATJHaE">https://t.co/9sLPATJHaE</a> <a href="https://t.co/NlTxVXRANR">pic.twitter.com/NlTxVXRANR</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1497734089692135428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The image is perhaps a lesson for the self-centred human race which probably thinks it is the centre of the universe. As you go away from the planet, other celestial bodies dwarf us. And all conflicts appear fruitless. This is the only planet we've got. No other space rock has been found to harbour life just like ours&nbsp;Peaceful co-existence is that tough, eh?

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) never fails to amaze us. Not only the US space agency is at the forefront of space exploration and research, but its social media feeds are also widely admired for brearthtaking images and interesting chunks of space info.

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) never fails to amaze us. Not only the US space agency is at the forefront of space exploration and research, but its social media feeds are also widely admired for brearthtaking images and interesting chunks of space info. And it never fails to enthral us. So what's on the menu this time? An image of Earth, but with a twist. As the new month dawned, NASA tweeted a pic taken by its Cassini probe that is studying Saturn. The image show Saturn in all its glory with the majestic rings. But also depicts a curious blue dot. "You are here. In 2013, the Cassini spacecraft captured this wide-angle view of Saturn and a chunk of its rings. That pale blue dot just below the rings? That’s Earth from about 898 million miles (1.4 billion kilometers) away," says NASA in its tweet. You are here. In 2013, the Cassini spacecraft captured this wide-angle view of Saturn and a chunk of its rings. That pale blue dot just below the rings? That’s Earth from about 898 million miles (1.4 billion kilometers) away. Explore @NASASolarSystem: https://t.co/9sLPATJHaE pic.twitter.com/NlTxVXRANR — NASA (@NASA) February 27, 2022 × The image is perhaps a lesson for the self-centred human race which probably thinks it is the centre of the universe. As you go away from the planet, other celestial bodies dwarf us. And all conflicts appear fruitless. This is the only planet we've got. No other space rock has been found to harbour life just like ours Peaceful co-existence is that tough, eh?

NASA tweets brilliant image that may make you a bit introspective

It's been more than fifty years since man set foot on the Moon. Since then, we have made progress in space science by leaps and bounds. But humankind is focussing its gaze on the Moon again. NASA's Artemis mission is aiming to bring a human on the lunar surface again.

There are talks in the scientific world of making use of the Moon as a launching pad for future space missions. For this, we would have to have a much more comprehensive presence on and around the Moon than before.

What a space start-up is doing may come handy in such an endevour. This company, called Quantum Space is planning to create a robotic outpost near the Moon.

Quantum Space has been set-up by Steve Jurczyk. He is former associate administrator of NASA. The company was formed in 2021. As per a report in The Verge, the robotic outpost Quantum Space plans to set up near Moon will help in providing internet capabilities on the lunar surface. It will also refuel spacecrafts, collect data and help assemble structures in lunar space.

Jurczyk says that his company also intends to make vehicles that will aid NASA in lunar missions.

NASA is planning to create an internet-like system of communications infrastructure around the Moon called LunaNet. This would be less reliant on Earth technologies for navigation, communication, and data relays," he said as quoted by The Verge.

It's been more than fifty years since man set foot on the Moon. Since then, we have made progress in space science by leaps and bounds. But humankind is focussing its gaze on the Moon again.

It's been more than fifty years since man set foot on the Moon. Since then, we have made progress in space science by leaps and bounds. But humankind is focussing its gaze on the Moon again. NASA's Artemis mission is aiming to bring a human on the lunar surface again. There are talks in the scientific world of making use of the Moon as a launching pad for future space missions. For this, we would have to have a much more comprehensive presence on and around the Moon than before. What a space start-up is doing may come handy in such an endevour. This company, called Quantum Space is planning to create a robotic outpost near the Moon. Quantum Space has been set-up by Steve Jurczyk. He is former associate administrator of NASA. The company was formed in 2021. As per a report in The Verge, the robotic outpost Quantum Space plans to set up near Moon will help in providing internet capabilities on the lunar surface. It will also refuel spacecrafts, collect data and help assemble structures in lunar space. Jurczyk says that his company also intends to make vehicles that will aid NASA in lunar missions. NASA is planning to create an internet-like system of communications infrastructure around the Moon called LunaNet. This would be less reliant on Earth technologies for navigation, communication, and data relays," he said as quoted by The Verge.

Startup plans to create robotic outpost near the Moon

While team mapping radio waves in the universe, astronomers have come across a mysterious object that is releasing giant bursts of energy three times an hour, as per a study published on Wednesday (January 26) in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04272-x.epdf?sharing_token=g0qDpzHgeaSaA6mUmwx649RgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0Of-uh9vqemKMq6w79pifdqdaY5xxIT2ZG7_2UyUWitYHtn2nWAH0KN9KVH1ZPtBPDePVfuAa1sz-qkpQHRO8lx4QaBnNSzyWapSmBR_chuTr1cSMqeS7wZGcpJ86k4qrPi673QqygyKuCUQdEXkI5ouo3YZQhKAoAFYVlm3I-I4ac24yAbE3svoj_w8xA8-_5zWSQOVishTx_VUR2a3fp-8dQY3APRD7IW2SmarKahJk-fpdNXg_aMYoCtzMP2RoiUhT6-w-n_GGFP57eM0LKh&amp;tracking_referrer=edition.cnn.com">Nature</a>.

It is being termed as unlike anything astronomers have seen before but the team that discovered the celestial object believe it could be a neutron star or a white dwarf with an ultra-powerful magnetic field.&nbsp;

As per the astronomers, the strange object, which appeared to be spinning around in space, sends out a beam of radiation that crosses our line of sight, and for a minute in every twenty. The published study claimed it to be one of the brightest radio sources in the sky.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/out-of-control-rocket-by-elon-musks-spacex-puts-indias-chandrayaan-in-danger-447837">Out-of-control rocket by Elon Musk's SpaceX puts India's Chandrayaan in danger</a>

Astrophysicist Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker, who is from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, led the team.&nbsp;

"This object was appearing and disappearing over a few hours during our observations. That was completely unexpected. It was kind of spooky for an astronomer because there's nothing known in the sky that does that. And it's really quite close to us -- about 4000 lightyears away. It's in our galactic backyard," she said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-ice-moon-which-resembles-the-death-star-from-star-wars-could-be-hospitable-to-life-447567">This ice moon, which resembles the Death Star from Star Wars, could be hospitable to life</a>

A student named&nbsp;Tyrone O'Doherty from Curtin University discovered the object by using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope in outback Western Australia. He also used a new technique developed by him.

O'Doherty, who is now studying for a PhD at Curtin, said, "It's exciting that the source I identified last year has turned out to be such a peculiar object."

"The MWA's wide field of view and extreme sensitivity are perfect for surveying the entire sky and detecting the unexpected," he added.&nbsp;

While team mapping radio waves in the universe, astronomers have come across a mysterious object that is releasing giant bursts of energy three times an hour, as per a study published on Wednesday (January 26) in the journal Nature.

While team mapping radio waves in the universe, astronomers have come across a mysterious object that is releasing giant bursts of energy three times an hour, as per a study published on Wednesday (January 26) in the journal Nature. It is being termed as unlike anything astronomers have seen before but the team that discovered the celestial object believe it could be a neutron star or a white dwarf with an ultra-powerful magnetic field. As per the astronomers, the strange object, which appeared to be spinning around in space, sends out a beam of radiation that crosses our line of sight, and for a minute in every twenty. The published study claimed it to be one of the brightest radio sources in the sky. ALSO READ | Out-of-control rocket by Elon Musk's SpaceX puts India's Chandrayaan in danger Astrophysicist Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker, who is from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, led the team. "This object was appearing and disappearing over a few hours during our observations. That was completely unexpected. It was kind of spooky for an astronomer because there's nothing known in the sky that does that. And it's really quite close to us -- about 4000 lightyears away. It's in our galactic backyard," she said. ALSO READ | This ice moon, which resembles the Death Star from Star Wars, could be hospitable to life A student named Tyrone O'Doherty from Curtin University discovered the object by using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) telescope in outback Western Australia. He also used a new technique developed by him. O'Doherty, who is now studying for a PhD at Curtin, said, "It's exciting that the source I identified last year has turned out to be such a peculiar object." "The MWA's wide field of view and extreme sensitivity are perfect for surveying the entire sky and detecting the unexpected," he added.

Astronomers discover mysterious object in space that releases giant bursts of energy three times an hour

Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter.

Researchers also believed that it contained 105 times the mass of Earth in elements heavier than helium and hydrogen. Details of the finding have been published in the 'Astronomical Journal' and were presented at the American Astronomical Society virtual press event on January 13.

"TOI-2180 b is such an exciting planet to have found," said UCR astronomer Paul Dalba, who helped confirm the planet`s existence.&nbsp;

"It hits the trifecta of 1) having a several-hundred-day orbit, 2) being relatively close to Earth (379 lightyears is considered close for an exoplanet), and 3) us being able to see it transit in front of its star. It is very rare for astronomers to discover a planet that checks all three of these boxes," he said.

Dalba also explained that the planet is special because it took 261 days to complete a journey around its star, a relatively long time compared to many known gas giants outside our solar system.&nbsp;

Its relative proximity to Earth and the brightness of the star it orbits also made it likely that astronomers will be able to learn more about it.

In order to locate exoplanets, which orbit stars other than our sun, NASA`s TESS satellite would look at one part of the sky for a month and then, move on. It searches for dips in brightness that would occur when a planet crosses in front of a star.

"The rule of thumb is that we need to see three `dips` or transits before we believe we`ve found a planet," Dalba said.&nbsp;

A single transit event could be caused by a telescope with a jitter, or a star masquerading as a planet. For these reasons, TESS isn`t focused on these single transit events. However, a small group of citizen scientists is.Looking over TESS data, Tom Jacobs, a group member and former US naval officer, saw light dim from the TOI-2180 star, just once. His group alerted Dalba, who specialized in studying planets that take a long time to orbit their stars.

Using the Lick Observatory`s Automated Planet Finder Telescope, Dalba and his colleagues observed the planet`s gravitational tug on the star, which allowed them to calculate the mass of TOI-2180 b and estimate a range of possibilities for its orbit.

(With inputs from agencies)

Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter.

Citizen scientists along with a University of California, Riverside astronomer have discovered a gas giant nearly three times more massive than Jupiter. The exoplanet has same diameter as that of Jupiter. Researchers also believed that it contained 105 times the mass of Earth in elements heavier than helium and hydrogen. Details of the finding have been published in the 'Astronomical Journal' and were presented at the American Astronomical Society virtual press event on January 13. "TOI-2180 b is such an exciting planet to have found," said UCR astronomer Paul Dalba, who helped confirm the planet`s existence. "It hits the trifecta of 1) having a several-hundred-day orbit, 2) being relatively close to Earth (379 lightyears is considered close for an exoplanet), and 3) us being able to see it transit in front of its star. It is very rare for astronomers to discover a planet that checks all three of these boxes," he said. Dalba also explained that the planet is special because it took 261 days to complete a journey around its star, a relatively long time compared to many known gas giants outside our solar system. Its relative proximity to Earth and the brightness of the star it orbits also made it likely that astronomers will be able to learn more about it. In order to locate exoplanets, which orbit stars other than our sun, NASA`s TESS satellite would look at one part of the sky for a month and then, move on. It searches for dips in brightness that would occur when a planet crosses in front of a star. "The rule of thumb is that we need to see three `dips` or transits before we believe we`ve found a planet," Dalba said. A single transit event could be caused by a telescope with a jitter, or a star masquerading as a planet. For these reasons, TESS isn`t focused on these single transit events. However, a small group of citizen scientists is.Looking over TESS data, Tom Jacobs, a group member and former US naval officer, saw light dim from the TOI-2180 star, just once. His group alerted Dalba, who specialized in studying planets that take a long time to orbit their stars. Using the Lick Observatory`s Automated Planet Finder Telescope, Dalba and his colleagues observed the planet`s gravitational tug on the star, which allowed them to calculate the mass of TOI-2180 b and estimate a range of possibilities for its orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

Research finds exoplanet three times more massive than Jupiter

Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it. This fixed idea of how star systems are 'supposed to look like' has often dominated our astronomical perspective for decades, even centuries.

But as wonderful the universe is, it continues to force us to rethink our ways by revealing new secrets.

Scientists have found the hottest star system and a massive planet orbitting b Centauri, a binary star.

For most of us, planet Jupiter is maxima of imagination for planetary size. If Jupiter is considered to be a football, Earth will be smallers than a marble.

But in this new star system, the planet orbitting the binary star has been found to be 10 times the size pf Jupiter! And the distance between the planet and the binary star is ten times that between Jupiter and the Sun.&nbsp;

This star system lies 325 light-years away from Earth. The system lies in the Centaurus constellation.

The primary star in this star system is over three times hotter than the Sun. It is also bigger. Its mass is six times that of the Sun.

Previously, it was thought that stars bigger than three times the size of Sun were not able to harbour planets. But this star system has proven this assumption wrong.

Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it.

Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it. This fixed idea of how star systems are 'supposed to look like' has often dominated our astronomical perspective for decades, even centuries. But as wonderful the universe is, it continues to force us to rethink our ways by revealing new secrets. Scientists have found the hottest star system and a massive planet orbitting b Centauri, a binary star. For most of us, planet Jupiter is maxima of imagination for planetary size. If Jupiter is considered to be a football, Earth will be smallers than a marble. But in this new star system, the planet orbitting the binary star has been found to be 10 times the size pf Jupiter! And the distance between the planet and the binary star is ten times that between Jupiter and the Sun. This star system lies 325 light-years away from Earth. The system lies in the Centaurus constellation. The primary star in this star system is over three times hotter than the Sun. It is also bigger. Its mass is six times that of the Sun. Previously, it was thought that stars bigger than three times the size of Sun were not able to harbour planets. But this star system has proven this assumption wrong.

Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions

A new technique has not only helped astronomers find a super-Earth at a neighbouring star but may also have imaged it.&nbsp;

Earlier, it was thought ultra-powerful telescopes currently being developed would be required to image exoplanets.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/space-object-named-farfarout-is-the-most-distant-thing-in-solar-system-362874">Space object named 'FarFarOut' is the most distant thing in solar system</a>

However, a team of researchers, have used a new technique which they say have imaged a possible sub-Neptune/super-Earth-sized planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A, reports&nbsp;ScienceAlert.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/life-on-mars-study-gives-fresh-evidence-to-back-the-claim-362767">Life on Mars? Study gives fresh evidence to back the claim</a>

Alpha Centauri A is one of the Earth's closest neighbours.&nbsp;

The researchers published their findings in Nature Communications titled: "Imaging low-mass planets within the habitable zone of α Centauri."

Exoplanets have been discovered earlier, but astronomers have never sensed their light.&nbsp;

This time, though, the researchers have used infrared.&nbsp;

A major challenge with infrared is to discern the light appearing from an exoplanet.&nbsp;

Exoplanets before this use to rely on wavelengths, where the background infrared doesn't exist, but the problem was in finding temperate Earth-like planets.&nbsp;

In this research, an instrument known as NEAR (New Earths in the AlphaCen Region), mounted on the ESO (European Southern Observatory's) Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile was used.&nbsp;

The instrument works with the VISIR instrument, also on the VLT.&nbsp;

So, the researchers' results came after 100 hours of cumulative observations with the VLT and NEAR.

The findings, authors say "demonstrate the feasibility of imaging rocky habitable-zone exoplanets with current and upcoming telescopes."

A new technique has not only helped astronomers find a super-Earth at a neighbouring star but may also have imaged it. Earlier, it was thought ultra-powerful telescopes currently being developed would be required to image exoplanets.

A new technique has not only helped astronomers find a super-Earth at a neighbouring star but may also have imaged it. Earlier, it was thought ultra-powerful telescopes currently being developed would be required to image exoplanets. Also read | Space object named 'FarFarOut' is the most distant thing in solar system However, a team of researchers, have used a new technique which they say have imaged a possible sub-Neptune/super-Earth-sized planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A, reports ScienceAlert. Also read | Life on Mars? Study gives fresh evidence to back the claim Alpha Centauri A is one of the Earth's closest neighbours. The researchers published their findings in Nature Communications titled: "Imaging low-mass planets within the habitable zone of α Centauri." Exoplanets have been discovered earlier, but astronomers have never sensed their light. This time, though, the researchers have used infrared. A major challenge with infrared is to discern the light appearing from an exoplanet. Exoplanets before this use to rely on wavelengths, where the background infrared doesn't exist, but the problem was in finding temperate Earth-like planets. In this research, an instrument known as NEAR (New Earths in the AlphaCen Region), mounted on the ESO (European Southern Observatory's) Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile was used. The instrument works with the VISIR instrument, also on the VLT. So, the researchers' results came after 100 hours of cumulative observations with the VLT and NEAR. The findings, authors say "demonstrate the feasibility of imaging rocky habitable-zone exoplanets with current and upcoming telescopes."

Researchers spot possible Super-Earth using new technique

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