For the first time, astronomers have found solid evidence for four exoplanets around Barnard’s star, the nearest single star system to Earth. Using advanced instruments on the Gemini North telescope and ESO’s Very Large Telescope, researchers have confirmed that two previously classified as candidates are now bona fide planets. The discovery is a breakthrough in studying smaller planets around nearby stars.
Barnard’s star, located about 6 light-years away, is an M3.5-type star in the constellation of Ophiuchus. It’s thought to be 10 billion years old due to its slow rotation and low activity levels. Three of the exoplanets discovered are estimated to be around 20-30% the mass of Earth and orbit their star at incredible speeds, completing a full circuit in just a few days.
While these planets may be too hot to support life as we know it, the discovery provides a new benchmark for finding smaller planets. “It’s a really exciting find — Barnard’s star is our cosmic neighbor, and yet we know so little about it,” said Dr. Ritvik Basant, lead researcher on the project.
The MAROON-X instrument, which measures light color shifts caused by planetary gravity, played a crucial role in detecting these exoplanets. By analyzing data from 112 nights over three years, the team found solid evidence for three planets and confirmed a fourth using combined data from both MAROON-X and ESPRESSO.
The discovered planets are likely to be rocky worlds rather than gas giants like Jupiter. While direct observation of their composition is challenging due to Earth’s angle of view, studying similar planets around other stars can help scientists make educated guesses about their makeup. The team’s findings were published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters and provide new insights into the properties of Barnard’s star and its orbiting worlds.
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Source: https://www.sci.news/astronomy/four-sub-earth-exoplanets-barnards-star-13740.html