First radio signal detected from a distant exoplanet
Astronomers detected the first radio signal from exoplanet Beta Pictoris b, powered by an extremely strong magnetic field.
For the first time, astronomers have directly detected radio waves from a planet beyond our solar system. The signal comes from Beta Pictoris b, a gas giant about 12 times the mass of Jupiter located 63 light-years from Earth.
The radio waves are produced by the planet's huge magnetic field, not by intelligent life. The field is at least 200 times stronger than Jupiter's.
It creates auroras similar to Earth's northern lights. These auroras send out radio waves as charged particles spiral through the magnetic field.
The discovery used an array of 64 radio telescope dishes in South Africa called MeerKAT. Researchers recorded the signal multiple times.
They confirmed it came from the planet itself, not its host star. The research is by a team from Harvard University.
It is awaiting peer review.
- 63 light-years
- Distance from Earth
- At least 200 times stronger than Jupiter's
- Magnetic field strength
- About 12 times the mass of Jupiter
- Planet mass
Why it mattersRadio observations from distant planets reveal new information about their magnetic fields and atmospheres. Telescopes alone cannot show this.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but Australian scientists and space enthusiasts gain tools to study exoplanet atmospheres and habitability.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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