Scientists pick up a repeating radio signal from space - it could be the first discovered planet with a magnetic field

Scientists have yet to find a single planet that has a magnetic field. However, a recent discovery could change that.

Here's What We Know

Astronomers have managed to pick up a repeating radio signal from space. It is emitted by the planet YZ Ceti b. This could mean that it has a magnetic field, and this acts as a shield for the atmosphere, which is necessary for the origin of life.

YZ Ceti b orbits the star YZ Ceti in the constellation Keith. The radio signal does not coincide with its orbital period, but scientists explain this by the tilt of the magnetic field, if it exists. This affects the repetition period of radio bursts.

YZ Ceti b makes one revolution around its star in two Earth days. This means that it is very close to the star, as making a revolution in 48 hours in a large orbit is impossible. At least, that's what current models suggest.

If the scientists' assumptions are confirmed, the new discovery could be the basis for a new methodology that would help look for planets with magnetic fields. As for YZ Ceti b, life cannot exist on the exoplanet because of its close proximity to the star.

Source: Science Alert