NASA detects ‘Super Earth’ sending mysterious signal 154 light years away
NASA has discovered a new ‘Super Earth’ located around 154 light years from Earth, which is emitting a strange, repeating signal, as per reports.The planet, named TOI-1846 b, is reportedly about twice the width of Earth and nearly four times heavier, as per reports.The signal was first detected earlier this year by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which picked up a recurring flicker of light coming from a star, according to reports.This light dimming was observed during March each year, and scientists tracing this pattern reportedly located TOI‑1846 b in the Lyra constellation in the northern sky.The planet’s size and mass place it in what scientists refer to as the ‘radius gap’, a rare category of planets that sit between smaller, rocky worlds like Earth and larger gas giants such as Neptune.Due to its characteristics, scientists believe that TOI‑1846 b could potentially have a thick layer of ice beneath a thin atmosphere, or possibly even a shallow ocean, as per reports.Although the planet’s surface temperature is estimated to be around 300°C (600°F), researchers reportedly believe there is still a possibility of water being present. This is because the planet could be tidally locked, meaning one side always faces its star while the opposite side remains in darkness. If this is the case, water might be hiding on the cooler, darker side of the planet.
NASA has discovered a new ‘Super Earth’ located around 154 light years from Earth, which is emitting a strange, repeating signal, as per reports.
The planet, named TOI-1846 b, is reportedly about twice the width of Earth and nearly four times heavier, as per reports.
The signal was first detected earlier this year by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which picked up a recurring flicker of light coming from a star, according to reports.
This light dimming was observed during March each year, and scientists tracing this pattern reportedly located TOI‑1846 b in the Lyra constellation in the northern sky.
The planet’s size and mass place it in what scientists refer to as the ‘radius gap’, a rare category of planets that sit between smaller, rocky worlds like Earth and larger gas giants such as Neptune.
Due to its characteristics, scientists believe that TOI‑1846 b could potentially have a thick layer of ice beneath a thin atmosphere, or possibly even a shallow ocean, as per reports.
Although the planet’s surface temperature is estimated to be around 300°C (600°F), researchers reportedly believe there is still a possibility of water being present. This is because the planet could be tidally locked, meaning one side always faces its star while the opposite side remains in darkness. If this is the case, water might be hiding on the cooler, darker side of the planet.
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