A group of astronomers have collected the first possible radio signal from an exoplanet system about 51 light-years away. Though they are debating whether the signal is coming from the planet or the binary star it orbits. But the data indicates that the planet is sending the emission.
The team led by researchers from the Cornell University used Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR), to uncover emission bursts from the Tau Bootes star-system. The system is hosting a so-called hot Jupiter, a gaseous giant planet that is very close to its own sun. The team also observed other potential exoplanetary radio-emission candidates. But found that only the Tau Bootes exoplanet system exhibited a significant radio signature.
The researchers said that if confirmed the radio detection opens up a new window on exoplanets. It also provides a novel way to examine alien worlds that are tens of light-years away.
These findings do not indicate that the Aliens are beaming radio signal. But the radio signature of the planet is actually a potential byproduct of its magnetic field. If this radio signature is proof that the planet has a robust magnetic field. It will be helpful to study.
Observing an exoplanet’s magnetic field helps astronomers decipher a planet’s interior and atmospheric properties, as well as the physics of star-planet interactions. But there is still a lot of work involved to confirm the findings.