Looking for Earth 2.0 in binary systems
Astronomers are proposing a new NASA mission called SHERA to detect Earth-sized planets in binary star systems. The mission aims to use relative astrometry to overcome the challenges posed by the complex orbital dynamics of multistar systems.
Why it matters
Finding Earth-like planets in binary systems would significantly expand the search for habitable worlds, as many sun-like stars have companion stars.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Artist's concept of a gas giant orbiting Alpha Centauri. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, R. Hurt (Caltech/IPAC) While astronomers have found thousands of exoplanets over the last few decades, the true prize continues to elude them—they have yet to find an Earth-mass, rocky planet orbiting in the habitable zone of a sun-like star. That's partially due to cosmic geography—around half of all sun-like stars near us aren't alone. They have one or more companion stars that complicate their orbital dynamics, as well as those of any planets they might host.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in