The researchers added it could also mean it would be possible to witness the Northern Lights phenomenon - an interaction between magnetic fields and solar weather - on distant planets and stars.Įarth's magnetic field, as well as keeping our compass needles pointing in the same direction, helps preserve our life-sustaining atmosphere by shielding us from and deflecting high-energy particles and plasma blasted from the sun.Ī planet's magnetic field can prevent its atmosphere from being worn away over time by particles spewed from its star. The astronomers lauded the discovery as important not only in finding a planet that likely has a magnetic field - but also in providing a future method of finding more such planets. They theorize that these waves may be generated by interactions between the magnetic field of the exoplanet and the small red dwarf star it orbits, called YZ Ceti. Using a radio telescope, the scientists found exoplanet YZ Ceti b - which is around 70.5 trillion miles away from Earth - to be giving out a repetitive radio signal. The researchers say the search for life on other planets depends in part on whether rocky, Earth-like exoplanets such as the one identified also have magnetic fields. (Alice Kitterman/National Science Foundation via SWNS)Ī distant, Earth-sized planet emitting a radio signal which could point to it having a similar magnetic field to ours has been discovered.Īmerican astronomers say rocky exoplanet YZ Ceti b is a prime candidate for having an Earth-like magnetic field - which could provide vital answers in man's search for alien life.
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