Magnetic fields on exoplanets may reveal habitable planets

Researchers have mapped the magnetic fields of seven super-hot exoplanets resembling Jupiter, a step toward identifying potentially habitable planets beyond our solar system, reports SVT.

By measuring wind speeds—slowed by magnetic fields—the team at the European Southern Observatory conducted what they describe as the first reliable detection of magnetism on planets outside our solar system.

“A magnetic field makes it easier for a planet to retain its atmosphere, so this is just one piece of the habitability puzzle,” said Bibiana Prinoth, a researcher at ESO.

All seven gas giants share magnetic fields, but factors such as distance from their star and the ability to retain an atmosphere also determine potential habitability. The current study, limited by the range of the Very Large Telescope, focuses on extremely hot planets unlikely to support life. However, the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope may enable the mapping of smaller, Earth-like planets.

“We hope to better understand which planets retain their atmospheres and whether they are Earth-like, with enough distance from their star to potentially host water or life,” Prinoth said.