NASA discovers giant planet ‘Super Earth’ sending mysterious signal 154 light years away: Report
Washington, D.C.: In a fascinating development, NASA has reportedly discovered a new planet, described as a "Super Earth," just 154 light-years away that is sending out a strange, repeating signal that has caught the attention of scientists.
According to a report by The Sun, cited by Hindustan Times, the planet, named TOI‑1846 b, was spotted earlier this year when NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) detected a recurring flicker of light from a star in the Lyra constellation, located in the northern sky.
Interestingly, TOI‑1846 b is about twice the size of Earth and nearly four times as heavy. Its size and weight place it in a rare category known as the “radius gap”—a zone between small rocky planets like Earth and large gas giants such as Neptune.
Because of this, scientists believe the planet could have unusual features, such as a thin atmosphere, a layer of thick ice, or perhaps even a shallow ocean. Despite its high surface temperature—around 300°C (about 600°F)—researchers say water might still exist.
However, due to the extreme temperatures, scientists think the chances of life on the planet are very low.
The planet's discovery was confirmed by Abderahmane Soubkiou and his team at the Oukaimeden Observatory in Morocco, who worked alongside observers from four continents.
“We have validated TOI‑1846 b using TESS and multicolor ground‑based photometric data, high‑resolution imaging, and spectroscopic observations,” the team explained.
Furthermore, the team found the planet circles its star in just under four days.
To better understand this mysterious Super Earth, scientists say more advanced tools will be needed. One such instrument, MAROON-X, located on the Gemini North telescope in Hawai‘i, could help confirm the planet’s exact mass and detect any nearby planets.
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French President Macron concludes Mumbai visit
Mumbai (PTI): French President Emmanuel Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte Macron, left Mumbai for New Delhi on Wednesday after concluding his engagements here, including bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They were seen off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
On Tuesday, Macron held discussions with Modi as part of efforts to further strengthen India-France strategic ties.
During the Mumbai visit, the French president and his wife also met some of India's top filmmakers and actors, and had an animated exchange with them about cinema, culture and collaboration.
President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in the national capital Delhi, besides the bilateral summit in Mumbai.
PM Modi will inaugurate the summit on February 19. As many as 20 heads of states, including French President Macron, will be present at the inaugural session, Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said.
