Discovery of rocky planet with Earth-like magnetic field

Discovery of rocky planet with Earth-like magnetic field

Astronomers have discovered a planet with a magnetic field similar to Earth’s. The size of this planet is equal to that of the Earth. It is an outer planet, which is 12 light years away from us. It is a rocky planet. On which the possibility of life cannot be ruled out. However, this discovery is being considered very important.

Why is magnetic field necessary?

Like other planets in our solar system, Earth also has its own magnetic field. The magnetic field on Earth is what keeps the compass pointing north. The magnetic field helps to sustain life on the planet. Without the magnetic field, the Sun’s radiation has the potential to shatter Earth’s atmosphere. Without it our planet would be in disarray. That’s why scientists are always on the lookout for magnetic fields while studying other planets.

Revealed on 3 April

Earlier this month (April 3, 2023), researchers discovered a planet with a magnetic field. It is a rocky planet. The first tentative evidence for an Earth-sized exoplanet has been found. The planet is only 12 light-years away. The name of this exoplanet is YZ Ceti b.

Scientists in search of such planets only

We’re looking for planets that are really close to their stars and about the same size as Earth. These planets are too close to their stars to live on, but because they are so close, the planet is plowing through a bunch of stuff coming from the star. If the planet has a magnetic field. The researchers have published details of their discovery on 3 April in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Astronomy.

Source: Known M-dwarf planet-host YZ Ceti.

Photo: NASA