Radio signals from an exoplanet outside the Solar System directly detected for the first time
Scientists have observed radio waves coming from the planet β Pictoris b, located 63–64 light-years away. This discovery offers a new method for studying the magnetic properties of exoplanets.
Using the MeerKAT radio telescope array in South Africa, astronomers have succeeded in directly detecting radio signals from a planet outside the Solar System for the first time. Emitted from the giant gas planet β Pictoris b, located approximately 63–64 light-years away, these signals were determined to originate from auroras associated with the planet's strong magnetic field.
Details of the discovery and observation process
The research team led by Kevin Ortiz Ceballos announced in a study published on September 15, 2026, that they detected repeating radio bursts in the frequency range of 0.85 to 3.5 gigahertz. The observations were carried out thanks to the precise measurement capabilities of the MeerKAT telescope array.
Source of the signals and magnetic field measurement
By comparing the obtained radio images with the positions of quasars, researchers confirmed that the signals originated directly from the planet itself rather than from the star. These data revealed that the magnetic field strength of planet β Pictoris b is at least 1,250 gauss.
These findings enabled the development of a new scientific method allowing for the direct measurement of exoplanetary magnetic fields. It was clarified that the signals are not a sign of life, but stem from the planet's magnetic interactions.