Tag: TESS

  • 27 Potential Exoplanets Found in Binary Star Systems

    27 Potential Exoplanets Found in Binary Star Systems

    Key Takeaway

    – 27 potential exoplanets detected in binary star systems among 1,590 studied binaries using TESS data and apsidal precession.
    – Exoplanets in these systems may orbit two stars, with estimated masses from ~12 Earth masses to ~10 Jupiter masses.
    – Discovery relies on transit/eclipse methods not constrained by orbital orientation, aided by TESS’s rapid three-minute imaging cadence; further studies needed to confirm existence and assess composition, distance, and habitability.

    Launched on April 18, 2018, TESS is a satellite designed to observe 200,000 stars across the universe in search of exoplanets.

    Launched on april 18, 2018, tess is a satelite created to watch two hundred thousand stars all through the universe to find exoplanets. Recently, a study by astronomers led to discovery of 27 potential exoplanets in binary star systems. In other words, each of these exoplanets orbits two stars.

    To find these new worlds, researchers used a method known as apsidal precession, as explained by Margo Thornton, a doctoral candidate at the University of New South Wales in Sydney and lead author of the study:

    To locate these worlds new researchers used a trick called apsidal precession, as explained by Margo Thornton, who is a doctor candidate at the University of New South Wales in Sydney and the lead writer of the study.

    “We developed a survey to search for planets using stellar eclipses that is not limited to the orientation of the planet’s orbit.”

    “We made a survey to search planets using eclipses of stars that is not limited by how the planet orbits.”

    As a result, thanks to the cameras aboard the TESS satellite, which capture images of space every three minutes, researchers were able to detect new celestial objects.

    As a result, because the cameras on board tess take space images every three minutes, researchers could spot new celestial items.

    Indeed, among the 1,590 binary systems, 27 appear to contain exoplanets.

    In truth, inside the 1,590 binary systems, 27 seems to have exoplanets.

    According to scientists’ estimates, the smallest could be 12 times more massive than Earth, while the largest could have a mass of about 10 times that of Jupiter.

    According to scientist estimates, the smallest might be twelve times heavier than earth, while the biggest could weigh around ten times Jupiter.

    However, these estimates could change.

    Yet, these numbers could alter later.

    It must be said that astronomers do not know the composition of these planets or their distance from their stars.

    It must be said that space researchers dont know what these worlds are made of or how far they sit from their stars.

    In other words, no one knows if any of these new worlds could potentially harbor life.

    In other words, nobody knows if any of these new worlds could possibly hold life.

    Therefore, further studies must be conducted to confirm their existence, but also to better understand them.

    So, more studies have to be done to prove they exist, but also to learn more about them.


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  • TESS Maps Nearly 6,000 Exoplanets Across the Universe

    TESS Maps Nearly 6,000 Exoplanets Across the Universe

    Key Takeaway

    – TESS detects exoplanets by monitoring brightness changes of stars over roughly month-long sky observations.
    – A set of 96 observations (2018–2025) has yielded nearly 6,000 exoplanets, with about 700 confirmed (blue) and over 5,000 candidates (orange).
    – The mission has found a wide range of planets, from Mercury-sized to larger than Jupiter, including some in the habitable zone.
    – This work advances the search for life beyond Earth, though further studies are needed to confirm and understand these worlds.

    If life exists on Earth, no one know if it exists elsewhere in the universe. To answer this question, several missions have been launched over the years, like NASA’s TESS satellite, which recently released an image showing nearly 6,000 exoplanets.

    Mission scope

    This satellite has powerful instruments, and to detect these new worlds, it observes large regions of space for about a month, letting astronomers detect changes in the brightness of various stars.

    Observation cadence

    As a result, astronomers combined 96 observations made by this satellite between April 2018 and September 2025, allowing them to discover nearly 6,000 new worlds. Thus, in this image, the blue dots represent approximately 700 confirmed exoplanets. Each of these worlds is unique, and some even orbit two stars. As for the orange dots, they represent more than 5,000 potential exoplanets. In addition, the Milky Way is also visible at the center of this image.

    Attribution and numbers

    Therefore, the work of TESS is very important, as Rebekah Hounsell, a TESS associate project scientist at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, notes.

    Expert perspective

    Over the last eight years, TESS has become a fire hose of exoplanet science. It has helped us find planets of all different sizes, from Mercury-like ones to those larger than Jupiter. Some of them are in the habitable zone, where liquid water might be possible on the surface, an important factor in our search for life beyond Earth.

    Impact and outlook

    Thus, the discovery of these new worlds could shed light on an important mystery. However, further studies will be needed to find answers.

    NASA Science

    Image source: NASA Hubble Space Telescope, Unsplash, NASA/MIT/TESS and Veselin Kostov (University of Maryland College Park)


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  • Astronomers Find 118 New Exoplanets with AI and TESS Satellite

    Astronomers Find 118 New Exoplanets with AI and TESS Satellite

    Key Takeaways

    1. RAVEN is an AI system that helps identify new exoplanets using data from the TESS satellite.
    2. The RAVEN pipeline has confirmed 118 new planets and identified over 2,000 potential candidates.
    3. The system is limited to detecting exoplanets with orbital periods of less than 16 days.
    4. RAVEN can distinguish between exoplanets and other objects that may cause similar light dimming effects.
    5. The ongoing discovery of exoplanets may help answer the question of whether we are alone in the universe.

    AI serves as a strong ally for astronomers, especially in the hunt for new planets in space. One notable example is RAVEN, an AI system that can sift through data from the TESS satellite to identify new exoplanets.

    Promising Results

    A study featured in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society showcases encouraging outcomes. Dr. Marina Lafarga Magro, a researcher at the University of Warwick, mentions that they have confirmed over 100 exoplanets:

    “With our newly created RAVEN pipeline, we validated 118 new planets and more than 2,000 high-quality candidates, nearly 1,000 of which are completely new.”

    Limitations of the System

    Nonetheless, this system is limited to detecting exoplanets with orbital periods less than 16 days. It has discovered various types, such as multi-planet systems, Neptunian desert planets, and ultra-short-period planets.

    This AI distinguishes between an exoplanet that dims its star’s light and a distant object that produces a similar effect. Furthermore, it can undertake several tasks at once, which significantly aids in the discovery of new planets. Dr. David Armstrong, an associate professor at the University of Warwick, elaborates:

    “RAVEN enables us to evaluate massive datasets consistently and without bias. Since the pipeline is rigorously tested and validated, this isn’t just a simple list of potential planets; it’s also reliable enough to serve as a sample to understand the distribution of various types of planets around sun-like stars.”

    Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries

    In conclusion, this AI may also play a crucial role in answering one of humanity’s biggest questions: Are we alone in the universe? As we continue to uncover more exoplanets, some could be situated in their stars’ habitable zones, like these 45 exoplanets.

    Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

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  • 45 Exoplanets Likely to Support Life: Top Candidates for Discovery

    45 Exoplanets Likely to Support Life: Top Candidates for Discovery

    Key Takeaways

    1. Over 6,000 exoplanets have been discovered, but only a few are in habitable zones suitable for life.
    2. A recent study identified 45 rocky exoplanets that may support life, including Proxima Centauri b and TRAPPIST-1f.
    3. TRAPPIST-1 d, e, f, and g are particularly promising candidates due to their potential for liquid water.
    4. Some exoplanets receive similar light as Earth, enhancing their chances of being habitable.
    5. Research findings could improve our understanding of habitable zones and aid in future exoplanet discoveries.

    For a long time, finding life beyond Earth has been a major aim for astronomers. There are actually billions of planets out there in the universe that go around different stars.

    The Discovery of Exoplanets

    So far, more than 6,000 exoplanets have been found thanks to various tools, like the TESS satellite. However, only a few of these are situated in the habitable zones of their suns, which is crucial for life to develop.

    Promising Candidates for Life

    In a recent study featured in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, researchers have pinpointed 45 rocky exoplanets that might be able to support life. Some of these planets are already well-known, such as Proxima Centauri b, which is roughly 4 light-years away, and TRAPPIST-1f.

    Astronomers believe that certain exoplanets are particularly intriguing, especially TRAPPIST-1 d, e, f, and g. Located about 40 light-years from our planet, these could possibly have liquid water on them. Moreover, other planets receive a similar amount of light as Earth does, making them strong candidates for harboring life. This could lead to better insights into the habitable zones around stars and help improve future explorations. Lastly, this may also assist in uncovering new exoplanets in the universe, potentially shedding light on this ongoing mystery.

    Insights from Research

    The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society has shared these findings, which could pave the way for exciting discoveries in the quest for extraterrestrial life.

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  • Unique Exoplanet Found 35 Light-Years Away from Earth

    Unique Exoplanet Found 35 Light-Years Away from Earth

    Key Takeaways

    1. The TESS satellite aids in discovering new exoplanets, like the rocky super-Earth.
    2. L 98-59 d, a unique exoplanet, is located 35 light-years from Earth and is 1.6 times the radius of Earth.
    3. Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to study L 98-59 d’s density and atmosphere.
    4. L 98-59 d has a dense atmosphere and a vast ocean of magma beneath it.
    5. The upcoming PLATO space telescope aims to find more rocky exoplanets and enhance our understanding of them.

    Observing the cosmos in search of new planets enables astronomers to make numerous findings. A recent example is the TESS satellite, which played a role in discovering a rocky super-Earth in a different star system.

    A Unique Exoplanet

    Recently, scientists shared a paper in Nature Astronomy that features a remarkable exoplanet. Named L 98-59 d, this planet is part of a system that includes four other exoplanets and is situated around 35 light-years from Earth. Its radius is approximately 1.6 times that of our planet, yet its density is lower. Astronomers initially thought that this exoplanet possessed a very thick atmosphere along with a small rocky core.

    Unveiling the Mystery

    To explore the secrets of its density, researchers employed the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing that this planet is truly one of a kind. L 98-59 d is cloaked in a dense atmosphere that envelops a vast ocean of magma beneath. Remarkably, studies indicate that this atmosphere plays a crucial role in the creation of this molten ocean.

    Even though many enigmas about L 98-59 d are still waiting to be solved, scientists are optimistic that there are several similar planets scattered throughout different galaxies. With the help of various tools, astronomers can locate these worlds. The upcoming PLATO space telescope is expected to launch soon, and it may uncover new rocky exoplanets across the universe, allowing scientists to gain more insight into them.

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  • New Rocky Super-Earth Discovered by TESS Satellite

    New Rocky Super-Earth Discovered by TESS Satellite

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new super-Earth, possibly rocky, has been discovered orbiting a star 83 light-years away, named TOI-1080 b.
    2. The discovery team, led by Yilen Gómez Maqueo Chew, used a technique that has previously uncovered other exoplanets.
    3. TOI-1080 b has a radius about 1.2 times that of Earth and a mass around 1.75 times greater, completing an orbit in just 3.97 days.
    4. The planet is outside the habitable zone and likely has an atmosphere mainly composed of carbon dioxide, with no evidence of life.
    5. Further observations with the TESS satellite are needed to explore the potential existence of other planets around the 5 to 7 billion-year-old red dwarf star.

    Recently, a new super-Earth has been found by astronomers, thanks to data from the TESS satellite. This planet orbits a star around 83 light-years away from Earth and seems to be larger and possibly rocky compared to our own planet.

    Discovery Team

    The team behind this exciting find was led by Yilen Gómez Maqueo Chew from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. They utilized a technique that has previously helped to uncover other exoplanets, like TOI-1452 b.

    Detection Method

    The detection of this exoplanet was achieved by watching a dip in brightness when it crossed in front of the star known as TOI-1080. Initial findings suggest it might be named TOI-1080 b, having a radius approximately 1.2 times that of Earth and a mass around 1.75 times greater. Its orbital period is quite astonishing, taking only 3.97 days to complete one orbit around its star.

    Life on the Exoplanet?

    Even though it is thought to be a rocky planet, there is currently no proof of life on this celestial body. It sits outside the habitable zone of its star, and astronomers suspect its atmosphere is mainly carbon dioxide. The star that TOI-1080 b orbits is smaller than our Sun, with a mass of roughly 0.16 solar masses.

    Future Observations Needed

    In addition, estimates suggest that this red dwarf star could be between 5 and 7 billion years old, which means there may be other planets in its orbit. To find these potential new worlds, more observations will be necessary utilizing the TESS satellite. This device has already found over 7,900 possible exoplanets in the universe.

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  • Massive Hot Planet Found Orbiting Young Dwarf Star

    Massive Hot Planet Found Orbiting Young Dwarf Star

    Key Takeaways

    1. Astronomers discovered a young exoplanet, TOI-5734 b, orbiting the star TOI-5734, located about 106 light-years from Earth.
    2. TOI-5734 b is classified as a hot sub-Neptune with a radius of 2.1 Earth radii and a mass of 9.1 Earth masses, experiencing extreme temperatures around 688 K.
    3. The star TOI-5734 is a young K-type dwarf star, smaller and less massive than our Sun, with TOI-5734 b located near the upper limit of the radius valley.
    4. The exoplanet may be losing its atmosphere through photoevaporation, potentially evolving into a rocky super-Earth in about 300 million years.
    5. The discovery utilized the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to measure size and brightness, alongside HARPS-N for confirming mass and density.

    Astronomers have found a young exoplanet that orbits the star TOI-5734, which is situated roughly 106 light-years from Earth. This planet, which is smaller than Neptune but bigger than Earth, has a radius of 2.1 Earth radii and boasts a mass of 9.1 Earth masses, with a density that is a bit less than that of our planet. It’s categorized as a hot sub-Neptune exoplanet because of its size and its close orbit to its star, completing a full orbit every 6.18 days at a distance of 0.06 AU. Due to its close proximity to its star, this exoplanet experiences extremely high temperatures, estimated at around 688 K.

    Characteristics of TOI-5734

    The TOI-5734 star is a relatively young K-type dwarf star that has 0.72 times the mass of our Sun and 0.64 times its radius. The exoplanet TOI-5734 b resides near the upper limit of the radius valley, which is a gap observed in planet sizes between 1.5 and 2.0 Earth radii. There are very few planets that exist in this transitional area, suggesting that TOI-5734 b could be undergoing a significant change. Research indicates that this planet might be losing its atmosphere due to a process called photoevaporation, and scientists predict that it could shed its primordial envelope in about 300 million years, possibly evolving into a rocky super-Earth.

    Observational Tools and Methods

    The main tool that led to this discovery was the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). This instrument helps gauge the planet’s size by monitoring the star for slight decreases in brightness, which happen when a planet crosses in front of it. The initial observations were made in 2022, and to confirm these findings, another instrument known as HARPS-N was utilized. Together, these tools allowed astronomers to measure the planet’s mass, radius, and overall density, offering important understanding about how planetary systems develop over time.

    arXiv via Phys.org

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  • TESS Space Telescope Finds Most Compact Quadruple Star System

    TESS Space Telescope Finds Most Compact Quadruple Star System

    Key Takeaways

    1. The TIC 120362137 system is the most compact quadruple star system discovered, fitting within the orbit of Jupiter.
    2. Initial observations with the TESS space telescope revealed only two stars, with the third and fourth stars identified later through brightness changes and eclipses.
    3. The heaviest star in the system, known as Aa, is larger and hotter than the Sun.
    4. Star C has a mass and temperature similar to the Sun, with an orbital period of 1,046 days.
    5. This discovery could help scientists find more similar star systems throughout the universe.

    The universe is incredibly expansive, leading astronomers to uncover new findings each year, especially with tools like the James Webb Space Telescope and the TESS space telescope. Recently, researchers published a study that emphasized the discovery of the most compact quadruple star system known to date.

    The TIC 120362137 System

    TIC 120362137 consists of three stars that are very close to each other, along with a fourth star that is somewhat farther away. If we were to compare its size to our solar system, it would fit within the orbit of Jupiter. To put it simply, these four stars are situated within a radius of approximately 770 million kilometers.

    Unusual Observations

    The discovery of this system was noteworthy because, at first, observations made with the TESS space telescope showed nothing out of the ordinary. Initially, only two stars were detected, orbiting each other every 3.3 days. The third star was identified due to changes in brightness that happened every 25 days. The presence of the fourth star was confirmed through new eclipses, which were then validated using the Tillinghast Reflector Echelle Spectrograph (TRES).

    The Most Massive Star

    In this system, the heaviest star is known as Aa, and it is both larger and hotter than our Sun. This trend continues with the other two stars that are nearby. On the other hand, star C has a mass and temperature comparable to the Sun, with an orbital period of 1,046 days. Therefore, this discovery is a groundbreaking achievement and could enable scientists to find similar systems scattered throughout the universe.

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  • Discover Exoplanets Easily with NASA’s New Tool

    Discover Exoplanets Easily with NASA’s New Tool

    Key Takeaways

    1. NASA’s Kepler and TESS missions have discovered over 3,000 exoplanets, with Kepler focusing on a small area and TESS surveying nearly the entire sky.
    2. AI software ExoMiner was developed to verify new exoplanets using Kepler data, and an improved version called ExoMiner++ has been created to analyze data from both Kepler and TESS.
    3. ExoMiner++ identifies dimming events in stars to determine if they are caused by exoplanets transiting in front of them, initially finding 7,000 potential exoplanets.
    4. ExoMiner++ is freely accessible for anyone to use, which is expected to accelerate exoplanet discoveries.
    5. Future developments of ExoMiner++ will allow it to detect signals directly from raw data, enhancing its application in upcoming missions like NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

    NASA’s retired Kepler and the active TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) have played a crucial role in finding over 3,000 exoplanets. Kepler focused on closely studying a small area of the sky to find these planets. Meanwhile, TESS is surveying almost the entire sky. The data gathered from both missions is examined to reveal more exoplanets.

    AI and Exoplanet Discovery

    In 2021, a group of NASA scientists developed a software that utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to verify 370 new exoplanets using Kepler’s data. This AI tool is named ExoMiner. Recently, they have introduced a better version called ExoMiner++. This upgraded model has been trained on data from both Kepler and TESS, allowing it to recognize exoplanets in TESS data.

    Identifying Dimming Events

    When telescopes like TESS look at a star, they sometimes notice a decrease in the star’s brightness. This dimming may be due to an exoplanet moving in front of it, which is known as a transit. However, other cosmic events can also cause this dimming. ExoMiner++ is specifically designed to determine which dimming events are caused by exoplanets. In its first run, the algorithm found 7,000 potential exoplanets.

    ExoMiner++ is available for anyone to use at no cost. This free access is predicted to speed up the discovery of exoplanets.

    Future Developments

    A new version of ExoMiner++ is already being planned. Unlike the current version, which depends on existing signals of possible transits, the next model will be capable of detecting signals directly from raw data. Scientists are optimistic about applying ExoMiner models in future exoplanet-hunting projects, such as NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The ExoMiner++ algorithm was detailed in a paper published in the Astronomical Journal.

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  • NASA’s New Satellite Aims to Solve Long-Standing Issues

    NASA’s New Satellite Aims to Solve Long-Standing Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pandora aims to determine whether detected atmospheric molecules on exoplanets originated from the planets or their host stars.
    2. The mission utilizes a 17-inch all-aluminum telescope to observe each exoplanet and its star ten times, with 24-hour observation windows.
    3. Pandora’s goal is to conduct the first thorough examination of starlight passing through exoplanet atmospheres.
    4. The mission plans to study at least 20 exoplanets and their stars in its first year, enhancing knowledge from previous missions like Kepler and James Webb.
    5. Pandora was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket alongside two other missions, BlackCAT and SPARCS, with different scientific focuses.

    Missions like NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) have found over 6,000 exoplanets. Researchers have identified molecules that are thought to be in the atmosphere of some of these planets. However, it remains unclear whether those molecules actually originated from the planet or if they are signals from the host star. This is the question that Pandora aims to resolve.

    Telescope Specifications

    Pandora is equipped with a 17-inch all-aluminum telescope that gathers visible and near-infrared light. The mission plans to observe each planet and its star ten times, with each observation lasting a total of 24 hours. During these extended observations, the telescope will capture light from the star both before and during a transit, which occurs when an exoplanet moves in front of its host star. By implementing this strategy, Pandora hopes to distinguish between signals from the planet itself and those that have been affected by the star.

    Mission Goals

    This mission marks the first time a spacecraft will conduct a thorough examination of starlight that has passed through exoplanet atmospheres. Over its first year, Pandora is set to investigate at least 20 exoplanets and their corresponding host stars. The information gathered will assist scientists in understanding data from previous and ongoing missions, such as NASA’s Kepler and James Webb.

    Launch Details

    Pandora was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, alongside two other missions: BlackCAT (Black Hole Coded Aperture Telescope) and SPARCS (Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat). While BlackCAT will explore the transient, high-energy universe, SPARCS will focus on examining the activity of low-mass stars.

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