Astronomical Breakthrough Near Our Solar System

A remarkable discovery just 10 parsecs away from Earth has unveiled a second low-mass planet orbiting the star GJ 536! This star, a relatively low-mass stellar body, already boasts a known planet that completes its orbit every 8.71 days. However, recent findings have completely changed the game.

Revolutionary Techniques Reveal New Planet

Utilizing cutting-edge technologies and an in-depth analysis of radial velocity (RV) measurements from powerful spectrographs—HARPS, HARPS-N, CARMENES, and HIRES—researchers have revealed the existence of this intriguing planet, named GJ 536 c. Our methods involved a comprehensive global RV analysis along with scrutinizing spectroscopic activity indicators and ASAS photometry data, unveiling significant evidence for this celestial companion.

Meet GJ 536 c: The Newest Planetary Addition

GJ 536 c is a low-mass planet, weighing in at approximately 5.89 times the mass of Earth, and it orbits its stellar host every 32.76 days. Located a mere 0.1617 astronomical units from GJ 536, it experiences a thermal flux that equates to an equilibrium temperature of about 290.5 K. It has also shown a semi-amplitude in radial velocity of 1.80 m/s, making it a fascinating target for further study.

Insights into GJ 536 b's Mass and Orbits

Meanwhile, researchers have updated the mass for the previously known planet, GJ 536 b, adjusting it to about 6.37 times the mass of Earth. Excitingly, both planets demonstrate orbits that appear to be circular.

A Glimpse into the Stellar Dynamics

Employing innovative statistical Doppler imaging techniques on photometric and RV data, a tentative obliquity of the stellar rotation axis has been suggested at 58 degrees, hinting at complex interactions within this planetary system.

Future Prospects for Planetary Discoveries

Current evidence suggests there are no additional planets larger than 5 Earth masses with orbital periods up to 100 days, or over 10 Earth masses for periods stretching to 1000 days. This tantalizing threshold leaves astronomers curious about what further revelations may lie in wait.

Upcoming Publications and Exciting Research

This profound discovery has been accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics and presents a fresh, exciting step towards understanding planetary systems beyond our own. As we delve deeper, the quest for planetary knowledge continues, and many scientists are optimistic about the possibility of uncovering even more worlds, perhaps even reaching that ambitious goal of a 6000th planet.