Scientists have just introduced evidence of a magnetic field on one of the exoplanets. This is the first such case, and it gives hope for the possibility of finding a planet outside the solar system suitable for human habitation.
One of the enabling factors The origin of life on Earth is its very strong magnetic field. Scientists indicate that the magnetic field protects us from high-energy particles of cosmic and solar radiation. Without him elements from the star could sterilize the atmosphere and make our planet like Mars.
The observation of signs of the existence of the magnetic field of celestial bodies is one of the indicators of assessing objects as potentially habitable. The existence of a magnetic field on a rocky exoplanet has been discovered for the first time.
YZ Ceti b as a potential place to live
In the scientific journal “Nature Astronomy”, Sebastian Pineda and Jackie Villadsen published a scientific paper in which they indicate a potential candidate for our planet’s replacement.
A team of scientists identified a rocky exoplanet with dimensions similar to our planet. Its mass is 0.7 times the size of the Earth. It was named YZ Ceti b. The system of the planet is about 12 thousand light years away.
YZ Ceti b orbits a red dwarf star named YZ Ceti. Its orbital time is only two days, which, compared to the year that our planet needs, indicates a very small size of the star. Due to the fact that it is too close to the star, it is unfortunately unsuitable for human habitation. The temperature is too high there.
A planet emitting a radio signal
The team picked up radio signals coming from the planet. Scientists indicate that they can be generated by the magnetic field YZ Ceti b, reacting with particles from the star. According to calculations, the planet orbits so close to the star that the magnetic field pushes particles emitted by the star back towards it. As a result of this process, an aurora is formed around the red dwarf.
Sebastian Pineda points out that it is the aurora is the reason why the radio signal is detected. The scientist believes that if the discovered planet has its own atmosphere, it should also have the aurora phenomenon.
Researchers declare that planet is a groundbreaking discovery. A rocky planet with its own magnetic field has never been described before. The existence of such a planet offers a chance to find a planet where there is the possibility of confusion.
