Harvard Scientists Report First Direct Radio Detection From Planet 64 Light-Years Away

Researchers from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and the University of Oregon report detecting radio emissions directly from Beta Pictoris b, a giant planet roughly 64 light-years from Earth.

Using South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope, the team recorded recurring radio bursts and traced their location to the planet. Researchers attribute the emissions to auroral activity associated with its powerful magnetic field.

The observations suggest a magnetic field strength of at least 1,250 gauss where the emissions originate, potentially providing a new way to study distant planets.

The findings were posted as a preprint on September 15 and have not yet undergone peer review.