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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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
