Earth 2.0? Repeating signal coming from rocky planet raises hopes

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As work continues to look for Earth 2.0, researchers are excited about the probability of finding a habitable world as radio emissions suggest possible magnetic interactions on a planet in our cosmic backyard..

Astronomers have observed a repeated signal emerging from the star YZ Ceti, which they believe is generated by the interactions between the magnetic field of the exoplanet and the star it orbits..

The signals spark hope for a habitable world since the planet's magnetic field can prevent that planet's atmosphere from being worn away over time by particles spewed from its star..

If the planet has a magnetic field and it plows through enough star stuff, it will cause the star to emit bright radio waves," Villadsen explained...

The observed planet YZ Ceti b is so close to its star that it completes a full orbit in only two days and as plasma from YZ Ceti interacts with the magnetic field, it generates radio waves strong enough to be observed on Earth...

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