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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SIT formed to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.
The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.
The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.
The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.
ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership
Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.
Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.
As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.
The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.
However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.
The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.
Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.
Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.
