Earth-sized planet: source of repeating signals found in space

Scientists from the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory have reported a repeating radio signal in space. They were able to trace its entire path and identify the source - an Earth-like planet located about 12 light-years from us. Study published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

This planet is known as YZ Ceti b. It orbits the small red dwarf star YZ Ceti. The objects are so close that the orbit of YZ Ceti b is only two days. For comparison, the closest planet to our Sun, Mercury, takes 88 days to complete a full revolution.

However, it is this close interaction that leads to the emergence of radio signals, which in turn may indicate that the exoplanet has its own magnetic field, scientists say.

The current hypothesis is that the radio waves are generated by the collision of the planet's magnetic field with the plasma erupted by its star. And they are so powerful that they can be detected even from Earth.

If the magnetic field of YZ Ceti b is confirmed, then this will mean that there may be life on it. But hardly the way we know it, the researchers say.

Scientists have seized on the magnetic field for one simple reason: it keeps the planet's atmosphere from being blown away by powerful stellar winds. In other words, it makes the world suitable for the existence of living organisms.

Mars, for example, was warm and wet planet before it lost its magnetic field. Without protection, its atmosphere gradually collapsed under the influence of solar plasma.