Astronomers Detect First Auroral Radio Emissions from Exoplanet Beta Pictoris b
A team of researchers reported the first direct detection of auroral radio waves from the gas-giant exoplanet Beta Pictoris b, indicating a magnetic field far stronger than Jupiter’s. Earlier reports using South Africa’s MeerKAT radio telescope array described faint, repeating radio bursts that line up with the planet’s position, enabling the first measurement of its magnetic field (Gizmodo).
The New York Post noted the bursts were attributed to powerful auroral activity. NewsNation later said scientists consider the signals to be natural magnetic activity rather than evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence.
Actors
Astronomers using the MeerKAT radio telescope array
MeerKAT radio telescope array
Independent astronomer Joe Callingham
Locations
MeerKAT radio telescope array, South Africa
