Unexpected radio signals detected in deep space may reveal hidden planets - Study Finds

BRISBANE, Australia — Surprising radio waves coming from distant stars may be revealing the presence of undiscovered planets in those solar systems, researchers in Australia say.

“We’ve discovered signals from 19 distant red dwarf stars, four of which are best explained by the existence of planets orbiting them,” Dr.

“We’ve long known that the planets of our own solar system emit powerful radio waves as their magnetic fields interact with the solar wind, but radio signals from planets outside our solar system had yet to be picked up,” Dr.

“This discovery is an important step for radio astronomy and could potentially lead to the discovery of planets throughout the galaxy.”.

In the past, astronomers have only been able to detect nearby stars through the radio emissions coming from space.

Now, however, radio astronomers can see distant stars (like the Sun) and use their observations to determine if there are any planets orbiting them.

Joseph Callingham of Leiden University says the team is confident the signals they’re detecting are coming from the interaction between the red dwarfs and orbiting planets.

“Our own Earth has aurorae, commonly recognized here as the northern and southern lights, that also emit powerful radio waves – this is from the interaction of the planet’s magnetic field with the solar wind,” Dr.

While the signals don’t completely confirm whether planets exist in these solar systems, researchers say it’s the likeliest conclusion.

Pope and Callingham add that radio astronomy is close to revolutionizing the study of planets outside our own solar system