Radio waves detected for first time from distant stars hint at hidden exoplanets

In a first, astronomers from University of Queensland have detected mysterious rio signals being sent out from stars outside of our solar system. As per scientists, se stars might even have planets around m which could answer if re are or life forms on planets or than Earth. experts were able to detect se signals using world’s most powerful rio telescope Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) located in Nerlands.

First rio signal detected far from solar system

Dr. Benjamin Pope and colleagues at Dutch national observatory ASTRON have been on lookout for such signals for a long time. He revealed that y have located 19 distant red dwarf stars which were unexpectedly emitting rio signals. Interestingly, four of stars showed evidence of planets orbiting around m. team specifically chose dwarf stars as y are smaller than Sun but drive intense rio emission and flares through ir high magnetic activity, reported SciTechDaily. 

Dr Pope ded that rio signals have so far only been detected from planets in our solar system as ir magnetic fields interact with solar wind. However, rio waves coming in from beyond solar system were yet to be detected, something which has been fulfilled now. 

With LOFAR contributing to efforts of astronomers, y are now capable of spotting plain old stars which might unveil new planets surrounding those stars. Previously, astronomers were limited to detecting only nearest stars that were steily emitting rio signals. 

Planet-star interaction our best prediction, astronomers say

Le discoverer Dr. Joseph Callingham of  Leiden University showed confidence in ir findings as he said that se signals are coming from same interaction that planet Jupiter has with its moon Io. However, Dr Pope said that although he is not 100% sure about four stars having planets around, a planet-star interaction is ir best prediction.

As for reliability of LOFAR, antenna is capable of monitoring stars as far as 165 light years away. Meanwhile, this team of astronomers are awaiting opening of Australia and South Africa’s Square Kilometer Array rio telescope that will reveal hundreds of undiscovered planets. 

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