SPACE/COSMOS
CARMENES data: Earth-like planets especially common around low-mass stars
Studies of 15 M-stars offer new insights into the presence of exoplanets
According to the latest studies led by Heidelberg University astronomers, low-mass stars quite often host Earth-like planets. Data collected as part of the CARMENES project were the basis of this finding. By analyzing the data, an international research team succeeded in identifying four new exoplanets and determining their properties. At the same time, the researchers were able to show that earth-like planets are found quite frequently in the orbit of stars with less than a sixth of the mass of our Sun. These findings could support the search for potentially life-sustaining worlds in our cosmic neighborhood.
The CARMENES spectrograph system at the Calar Alto Observatory near Almería (Spain) was developed and built at the Königstuhl Observatory of Heidelberg University. It aids astronomers in the search for exoplanets that orbit so-called M-dwarfs. These stars have a mass less than one-tenth up to half of the mass of our Sun. M-dwarfs are the most abundant stars in our galaxy. They exhibit tiny periodic movements caused by the gravitational pull of orbiting planets, from which researchers can infer the existence of previously undiscovered worlds.
For the current study, the researchers chose 15 stars from a catalog of 2,200 M-dwarfs of the CARMENES program and analyzed their radial velocity data. The speed of a star can be precisely measured by recording a high-resolution spectrum and analyzing the spectral lines. The researchers discovered four new planets based on the data; the largest one has a mass 14 times greater than our Earth and orbits its host star in approximately 3.3 years. The other planets have between 1.03 and 1.52 Earth masses and orbital periods from 1.43 to 5.45 days.
Statistical analyses show that stars with less than 0.16 solar masses have on average about two planets with less than three Earth masses. “It is quite remarkable how often small planets occur around very low-mass stars,” stresses study lead Dr Adrian Kaminski from the Königstuhl Observatory, which is part of the Centre for Astronomy of Heidelberg University. Larger planets, on the other hand, are rarer. “This suggests that low-mass stars tend to form smaller planets in close orbits,” states the Heidelberg astronomer.
Among the approximately 5,000 planets previously discovered in other solar systems, none is a true “twin” of the Earth in terms of mass, radius, surface temperature, and type of parent star. However, the newly discovered planets meet at least the first three criteria, explains Prof. Dr Andreas Quirrenbach, director of the Königstuhl Observatory. “Small, rocky planets in the so-called habitable zone – the area around a star where water could exist in liquid form – are potential candidates for habitable worlds. Since M-dwarfs are very common and radiate their energy constantly into space over billions of years, they could provide stable environments for the development of life,” states the astronomer and expert in the search for exoplanets. This finding provides clues as to where the search for habitable planets could be most promising.
Along with astronomers from Heidelberg University, researchers from Bulgaria, Germany, India, Norway, Spain, and the USA contributed to the study. Among others, the Spanish Ministry of Science, the European Union, the Bulgarian National Science Fund, and the German Research Foundation funded the research work. The results were published in the journal “Astronomy & Astrophysics”.
Journal
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Article Title
The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs. Occurrence rates of Earth-like planets around very low-mass stars
The Crew Dragon capsule carrying Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski successfully docked with the International Space Station on June 26, completing Poland’s first crewed space mission since 1978.
Uznański-Wiśniewski launched into orbit on June 25 aboard the Axiom Mission 4, departing from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The four-person crew includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu.
“I hope this marks the beginning of a technological Poland – a vision of our country represented in places like the ISS or the most advanced laboratories,” Uznański-Wiśniewski said.
Ax-4 had faced repeated delays since its original launch date of May 29, due to technical faults in the Crew Dragon capsule, adverse weather, an oxygen leak on the Falcon rocket, and issues with Russia’s Zvezda module on the ISS.
Speaking from orbit shortly after launch, Uznański-Wiśniewski addressed viewers in Poland.
“Dear Polish women and men, today we are making a major leap toward Poland’s technological future. A future built on science, knowledge and vision. Let this mission mark the beginning of an era in which our courage and determination shape a modern Poland for ourselves and for future generations,” Uznański-Wiśniewski said.
“Space always united people. Today, I carry a part of each of you into orbit – your strength, your hope, your trust. I am not alone in space. I represent us all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your trust. Kosmos dla wszystkich. Space for everyone,” Uznański-Wiśniewski also said.
Finance Minister Andrzej Domański defended the estimated €65mn cost of the mission, calling it a long-term investment. “Poland must invest in research and participate in the development of key technologies, including those related to space,” Domański said. He added that Poland is now positioning itself among the leading investors in advanced technologies.
“Every euro invested in the space sector means a €3-€6 return for the economy,” Domański also said.
According to space industry expert Maciej Myśliwiec, Uznański-Wiśniewski’s flight reflects the growing role of Polish firms in European space initiatives.
“His flight is the result of increased contributions to ESA, which return to Polish companies through grants and contracts. This is a major milestone for the Polish space sector,” Myśliwiec told OKO.press, an independent news outlet.
Uznański-Wiśniewski is conducting 13 experiments aboard the ISS, developed by Polish universities and private companies. These include studies in biomedicine, materials science, artificial intelligence, and technologies intended for future space exploration – areas never before researched in orbit under the Polish flag.
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