These results stem from precise radial velocity measurements captured using the CARMENES spectrograph at the Calar Alto Observatory in Spain. Designed and constructed at Heidelberg's Konigstuhl Observatory, the instrument targets M-dwarfs-cool, low-mass stars that are the most common type in our galaxy. Their slight wobbles caused by orbiting planets allow astronomers to detect otherwise invisible worlds.
In the current study, scientists selected 15 stars from a catalog of 2,200 M-dwarfs surveyed by CARMENES. By analyzing their high-resolution spectra, they confirmed four new exoplanets. One is 14 times the mass of Earth with a 3.3-year orbit. The other three are much smaller, ranging from 1.03 to 1.52 Earth masses, and circle their stars in under six days.
The statistical data suggests that stars under 0.16 solar masses typically have about two planets smaller than three Earth masses. "It is quite remarkable how often small planets occur around very low-mass stars," said lead researcher Dr Adrian Kaminski of Heidelberg's Konigstuhl Observatory. He added that larger planets remain uncommon in such systems.
Although none of the roughly 5,000 known exoplanets are exact Earth analogs, the newly detected planets share several key traits, including size, mass, and suitable temperatures. Prof. Dr Andreas Quirrenbach, director of the Konigstuhl Observatory, emphasized the significance: "Small, rocky planets in the so-called habitable zone... are potential candidates for habitable worlds." Because M-dwarfs are both numerous and stable over long timescales, they offer promising targets in the search for life beyond Earth.
Research Report:The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs. Occurrence rates of Earth-like planets around very low-mass stars
Related Links
Konigstuhl Observatory of Heidelberg University
Lands Beyond Beyond - extra solar planets - news and science
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