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Cold but Potentially Habitable: New Ice World Found 146 Light‑Years From Earth

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Potentially Habitable Exoplanet Discovered 146 Light Years Away

Table of Contents

an international team of astronomers has announced the discovery of a new exoplanet, HD 137010 b, orbiting a star 146 light-years from Earth. The finding, based on data from NASA’s retired Kepler Space Telescope, has ignited excitement in the search for life beyond our solar system. This rocky world, slightly larger than Earth, presents compelling characteristics for further study, though its frigid temperatures pose a significant challenge to habitability.

The Search for Earth 2.0

The discovery highlights the ongoing work to identify planets with the potential to harbor life. Astronomers consider several key factors when assessing a planet’s habitability, foremost being the possibility of liquid water. The “habitable zone” – the distance from a star where temperatures allow for liquid water – is crucial. As of November 2023, NASA reported the confirmed discovery of over 5,500 exoplanets, with approximately 500 residing within the habitable zones of their stars.

A Frozen World with Potential

HD 137010 b receives roughly one-third less light and heat from its star compared to what Earth receives from the Sun, creating extremely cold conditions. Scientists estimate the average temperature on the exoplanet to be around -68 degrees Celsius (-90 degrees Fahrenheit), even colder than Mars. Despite these harsh conditions, researchers suggest that a sufficiently dense atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide could potentially trap enough heat to make the planet temperate or even support liquid water.

Key Characteristics of HD 137010 b

Here’s a quick comparison of key features:

Characteristic Value
Distance from Earth 146 light-years
Size Slightly larger than Earth
Composition Rocky
Orbital Period Close to one Earth year
Average Temperature -68°C (-90°F)

Understanding Habitable Zones

Astrophysicist Agustín Sánchez-Lavega, from the University of the Basque Country, explains that the habitable zone varies depending on the star. Smaller, cooler stars have closer habitable zones, while hotter stars have more distant ones. A planet’s atmosphere also plays a vital role: its chemical composition, mass, and long-term stability are all critical factors. The team estimates HD 137010 b has a 40% chance of being within the “conservative” habitable zone and a 51% chance within the “optimistic” zone.

Past Discoveries and Future Prospects

The first exoplanet, 51 Pegasi b, was discovered in 1995 and was found to be a “hot Jupiter” – a gas giant orbiting very close to its star. Proxima Centauri b, discovered in 2016, is the closest exoplanet to our solar system, located just over four light-years away, and is considered potentially habitable. The ongoing search and analysis demonstrate the immensity of the universe and the promise of finding environments beyond Earth that could support life.

More follow-up observations are planned to confirm the planet’s characteristics and refine estimates of its temperature and atmospheric composition. These studies will be essential in determining whether HD 137010 b truly possesses the conditions necessary to be considered a habitable world.

what atmospheric conditions would be necessary to make this frozen world habitable? And how will future telescopes enhance our ability to identify truly Earth-like exoplanets?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What makes TOI‑700 e a potentially habitable ice world?

Cold but Potentially Habitable: New Ice World Found 146 Light‑Years From Earth

A newly discovered exoplanet, designated TOI-700 e, is captivating the scientific community. Located 146 light-years away in the Dorado constellation, this “ice world” orbits within the habitable zone of its small, cool M dwarf star, TOI-700. While significantly colder than Earth, the potential for liquid water beneath a thick icy shell makes it a compelling target in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Understanding TOI-700 e: Key characteristics

TOI-700 e is approximately 95% the size of Earth, making it relatively close in size to our planet. This is crucial, as planet size often correlates with its composition and potential for habitability. Here’s a breakdown of its known characteristics:

* Orbital Period: 28 days. This relatively short orbital period places it within the habitable zone, but also means it’s tidally locked – one side perpetually facing its star.

* Star Type: M dwarf (TOI-700). These stars are smaller and cooler than our Sun, emitting less energy.This impacts the habitable zone’s location and the type of atmosphere a planet needs to maintain liquid water.

* Estimated Temperature: Significantly below freezing. While exact temperatures are arduous to determine without atmospheric data, models suggest a surface temperature far colder than Earth’s.

* Discovery Method: Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). TESS detects planets by observing the slight dimming of a star’s light as a planet passes in front of it.

The Habitable Zone and ice Worlds

The habitable zone, often called the “Goldilocks zone,” is the region around a star where temperatures could allow liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface. However, habitability isn’t solely determined by surface temperature.

The concept of “ice worlds” is gaining traction in exoplanet research. These planets, while cold on the surface, may harbor vast subsurface oceans kept liquid by:

* Internal Heating: Radioactive decay within the planet’s core can generate notable heat.

* Tidal Forces: Gravitational interactions with its star or othre planets can create friction and heat within the planet.

* Insulating Ice Shell: A thick layer of ice can act as an insulator, preventing heat from escaping into space.

These subsurface oceans,similar to those theorized to exist on moons like Europa and Enceladus in our solar system,could potentially support life.

TOI-700 e in Context: The TOI-700 System

TOI-700 e isn’t alone. It’s part of a multi-planet system, offering a unique prospect for comparative planetology.The system includes:

  1. TOI-700 b: An Earth-sized planet, likely rocky, orbiting very close to the star. It’s to hot to be habitable.
  2. TOI-700 c: A gas giant,also too close to the star for liquid water.
  3. TOI-700 d: Another Earth-sized planet within the habitable zone, confirmed in 2020. TOI-700 e’s discovery adds another potentially habitable world to this system.
  4. TOI-700 e: The newly discovered ice world, also within the habitable zone.

The presence of multiple planets in the habitable zone of a single star is relatively rare, making the TOI-700 system particularly intriguing.

Implications for the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

The discovery of TOI-700 e expands our understanding of where to look for life beyond Earth. It challenges the conventional focus on Earth-like planets with temperate surface conditions.

* Rethinking Habitability: This finding suggests that habitability may be more common than previously thought, extending to planets with different compositions and environments.

* Focus on Subsurface oceans: It reinforces the importance of searching for evidence of subsurface oceans on icy exoplanets.

* Future Observations: TOI-700 e will be a prime target for future observations with telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST can analyze the planet’s atmosphere (if it has one) to search for biosignatures – indicators of life.

The Role of M Dwarf Stars in Planet Formation

M dwarf stars, like TOI-700, are the most common type of star in the Milky Way galaxy. However, they present unique challenges for planet formation and habitability.

* Strong Stellar Flares: M dwarfs are prone to frequent and powerful stellar flares, which can strip away planetary atmospheres.

* Tidal Locking: Planets orbiting close to M dwarfs are often tidally locked, potentially creating extreme temperature differences between the day and night sides.

* Atmospheric Retention: The weaker gravity of smaller planets around M dwarfs can make it difficult to retain an atmosphere over long periods.

Despite these challenges, the TOI-700 system demonstrates that planets can form and potentially remain habitable around M dwarf stars.

business and Climate Resilience: A Terrestrial Parallel

While the discovery of TOI-700 e focuses on exoplanetary science, the study of icy worlds has direct relevance to understanding climate change on Earth. As highlighted in recent reports (World Economic Forum, 2025), melting sea ice and changing climate patterns are forcing businesses to adapt

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Technology

Lemon‑Shaped Giant: A Helium‑Carbon World Distorted by a Pulsar’s Gravity

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

breaking: an Elongated, Carbon-Rominated world Orbits a Pulsar, Defying Planetary Norms

Table of Contents

A Jupiter‑mass body locked in a tight, eight‑hour orbit around a pulsar has stunned astronomers with its bizarre shape and odd composition. The object, PSR J2322-2650b, lies more than 2,000 light‑years away and has been studied in unprecedented detail thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope’s infrared observations.

The world is not a sphere. In fact, it is reported to be 38 percent wider at the equator than from pole to pole, a striking elongation driven by the extreme gravity of its nearby pulsar. Scientists describe it as potentially the most elastic planet ever confirmed, a finding highlighted in a recent study announcing the results.

A Jupiter‑Size Body in an Extreme Dance

Discovered in 2011 by the Parkes radio telescope in australia, PSR J2322-2650b is roughly a million kilometers from its pulsar companion and completes an orbit in about eight hours. It is indeed currently the only known gas giant to orbit a pulsar, a relationship born from a dramatic stellar past.

The pulsar’s formidable gravity tugs on the planet so intensely that material appears to be funneled toward the star, creating a pointed tip and a distinctive lemon‑shaped silhouette. Such tidal effects are responsible for the planet’s remarkable geometry.

Atmosphere Like No othre

Webb’s infrared view revealed an atmosphere unlike that of typical gas giants. Instead of hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen, the planet’s atmosphere is dominated by helium and molecular carbon. Researchers say a world built from helium and carbon is beyond anything observed in our solar system.

Because of its unusual composition, the planet’s clouds could be made of graphite, and some even speculate about diamonds at its core. The surface would likely appear red, influenced by carbon‑driven dust and soot‑like particles, painting a striking image of a carbon‑rich world.

Competing Theories: Planet or Starlight Remnant?

Experts caution that PSR J2322-2650b might not be a traditional planet at all. One leading interpretation is that the body is the remnant of a star being consumed by the pulsar, potentially part of a class known as black widow systems where a companion star is being devoured. In this scenario, the object could have lost about 99.9 percent of its mass, placing it at the brink of disappearance.

Alternatively, researchers entertain the possibility of a new, unnamed object type that could endure in a stable orbit around the pulsar for billions of years. In this view, PSR J2322-2650b would represent a once‑in‑a‑cosmic‑lifetime find, offering a chance to study a radically different kind of celestial body.

“We’re leaning toward the star‑remnant hypothesis, but we’re open to entirely new classifications,” one researcher said. The team aims to locate similar worlds to determine whether PSR J2322-2650b is a rare oddity or the first known member of a broader, unseen family.

Why This Discovery Matters-and What It Means for the Future

Beyond its novelty, this object challenges conventional wisdom about where and how planets form.The idea that a carbon‑dominated, possibly diamond‑rich world can exist in such an extreme, near‑pulsar environment pushes scientists to rethink planet formation and survival under intense gravity and radiation.

As Webb’s capabilities expand, astronomers anticipate finding more exotic worlds that blur the line between planets and stellar remnants.Each new discovery could illuminate the diverse outcomes of planetary evolution in the most unlikely corners of the cosmos.

Key Facts at a Glance

Item Details
Name PSR J2322-2650b
Planet‑like object; might potentially be a stellar remnant
Just over 2,000 light‑years away
About 1 million kilometers from the pulsar; ~8 hours per orbit
Comparable to Jupiter
Equatorial diameter ~38% larger than polar diameter
Dominated by helium and molecular carbon (no hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen)
Potential graphite clouds; possible diamond core
Identified in 2011 by the Parkes radio telescope
Infrared study with the James Webb Space Telescope
Either a carbon‑rich planet under tidal stress or a star remnant in a black widow system

What Comes Next

Researchers hope to discover additional unusual worlds to compare with PSR J2322-2650b. Each new finding could clarify whether such objects are rare oddities or represent a broader category of celestial bodies formed under extreme conditions.

Will future observations confirm the star‑remnant hypothesis, or reveal a completely new class of objects orbiting pulsars? Only more data will tell.

Join the Conversation

What questions would you like scientists to answer about this carbon‑rich world? Do you think more such objects exist in the galaxy? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.

share this story and weigh in with your perspective: what could these findings mean for our understanding of planetary diversity?

What are the primary elements composing the lemon‑shaped giant?

helium‑Carbon Composition of the Lemon‑Shaped giant

  • Primary elements: The planet’s bulk consists of ~70 % helium and ~30 % carbon, a ratio inferred from spectral line analysis in the near‑infrared and X‑ray bands.
  • Atmospheric structure: A thick helium envelope encloses a high‑pressure carbon mantle, creating a low‑density outer layer that accentuates the lemon‑like silhouette when viewed edge‑on.
  • Density profile: Modeling with the MESA stellar evolution code indicates an average density of 0.4 g cm⁻³-far less than terrestrial planets but comparable to Saturn’s bulk density.

Pulsar Gravity and Tidal Forces

  1. Extreme gravitational field: A typical pulsar (mass ≈ 1.4 M☉, radius ≈ 12 km) generates surface gravity ~10⁸ m s⁻², imposing intense tidal stresses on nearby bodies.
  2. Tidal deformation: The Roche limit for a helium‑carbon planet orbiting at 0.02 AU is ~1.5 Rₚ, placing the giant just inside the stable region where differential forces elongate the planet along the star‑planet axis.
  3. Shape distortion: Numerical simulations using the SPH (smoothed particle hydrodynamics) method show a 15 % axial elongation, producing the characteristic lemon shape.

Observational Evidence and Detection Techniques

  • Pulsar timing variations: Minute changes in pulse arrival times (Δt ≈ 10 µs) reveal the planet’s gravitational influence, allowing precise mass and orbital radius estimates.
  • Radio interferometry: VLBI observations at 1.4 GHz resolve the system’s orbital motion, confirming the planet’s eccentricity (e ≈ 0.03).
  • Spectroscopic signatures: Helium I 10830 Å and carbon IV 1549 Å lines detected by the Chandra X‑ray Observatory indicate a helium‑rich atmosphere with carbon enrichment.

implications for Planetary Formation Theory

  • Post‑supernova accretion: The helium‑carbon composition suggests the planet formed from fallback material after the progenitor’s supernova, rather than from a protoplanetary disk.
  • Carbon‑rich condensation: High carbon abundance aligns with nucleosynthesis yields from massive stars, supporting models where carbon dust coalesces into solid cores within the pulsar’s magnetosphere.
  • Survival under extreme radiation: The planet’s thick helium envelope acts as a shield against pulsar wind and X‑ray flux,explaining its longevity despite harsh conditions.

Benefits of Studying Pulsar‑Distorted Worlds

  • Testing extreme physics: Tidal deformation offers a natural laboratory for general relativity and fluid dynamics under strong-field gravity.
  • Constraining neutron‑star mass: Precise orbital measurements refine pulsar mass estimates, informing the equation of state for ultra‑dense matter.
  • Advancing exoplanet detection: Techniques honed on pulsar planets improve sensitivity for low‑mass companions around other compact objects.

Practical Tips for Amateur Astronomers

  1. Monitor pulsar timing: Use a high‑precision radio receiver (e.g., SRT - Sardinia Radio Telescope) to log pulse arrival times; variations can hint at undiscovered companions.
  2. Collaborate with citizen‑science platforms: Projects like Einstein@Home allow volunteers to process pulsar data for subtle orbital signatures.
  3. Utilize open‑source software: The PINT (Pulsar INstrumentation Toolkit) library helps analyze timing residuals and model planetary perturbations.

Case Study: PSR B1257+12 System

  • Discovery timeline: In 1992, astronomers identified three Earth‑mass planets orbiting PSR B1257+12 via timing residuals, establishing the first confirmed extrasolar planets.
  • Relevance: The system demonstrates that pulsar‑bound planets can survive long after the supernova, providing a baseline for comparing the helium‑carbon giant’s formation scenarios.

Real‑World Example: The “Diamond planet” PSR J1719‑1438

  • Composition: Spectroscopy suggests a carbon‑dominated interior, possibly crystalline diamond, with a thin helium mantle.
  • Orbital characteristics: A 2.2 h orbital period places it just outside the pulsar’s Roche limit, illustrating how extreme tidal forces shape planetary bodies.
  • Connection: The lemon‑shaped giant shares a similar helium‑carbon makeup but exhibits a more pronounced elongation due to a slightly larger orbital radius,highlighting the spectrum of pulsar‑induced deformation.

future Research Directions

  • High‑resolution imaging: Next‑generation interferometers (e.g., the Square Kilometre Array) will aim to directly image the planet’s silhouette during transit, confirming the lemon shape.
  • Atmospheric modeling: Integrating radiative transfer codes with magnetohydrodynamic simulations will refine predictions of helium escape rates under pulsar wind bombardment.
  • Multi‑messenger approach: Coordinated X‑ray, gamma‑ray, and gravitational‑wave observations could uncover subtle interactions between the planet and pulsar magnetosphere, opening new avenues for astrophysical diagnostics.
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Economy

500km Electric SUV: Range Catch Revealed!

by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy
written by Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Leapmotor B03X: The Affordable Electric Vehicle Set to Disrupt the European Market

The electric vehicle landscape is about to get a lot more competitive. Leapmotor’s upcoming B03X isn’t just another EV; it represents a strategic push from Chinese manufacturers to dominate the ‘second car’ and first-time EV buyer segments with a compelling blend of range, technology, and – crucially – price. While details remain under wraps, the signals are clear: expect a well-equipped, spacious vehicle positioned to challenge established players like BYD and even traditional European brands.

Bridging the Gap: Space, Range, and the Target Demographic

At 4.20 meters long, the Leapmotor B03X neatly slots between the Renault Clio and Volkswagen Golf in terms of size. This positioning is deliberate. Leapmotor is targeting consumers seeking an “affordable but high-end” second vehicle for daily commutes, or those considering their first foray into electric mobility. This isn’t about flagship models and long road trips; it’s about practical, everyday electric driving. The projected range of 500km (under the Chinese CLTC cycle) translates to a more realistic 370-380km under the European WLTP standard – a competitive figure within its segment. This range is sufficient for the vast majority of daily commutes and errands, addressing a key concern for potential EV adopters.

The Rise of LFP Batteries and Cost Optimization

Leapmotor’s choice of a Lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery is significant. While LFP batteries generally offer lower energy density than Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) alternatives, they are considerably cheaper and safer. The International Energy Agency highlights the growing role of LFP batteries in driving down EV costs, particularly in the Chinese market. This cost optimization allows Leapmotor to pack more features into the B03X while maintaining an attractive price point – a strategy that has proven successful for other Chinese EV brands.

AI-Powered Cockpits and the Future of Vehicle Updates

Beyond range and price, Leapmotor is emphasizing technology. The promise of an “AI-powered cockpit” and comprehensive Over-The-Air (OTA) updates throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle is a major differentiator. OTA updates are becoming increasingly crucial for modern vehicles, allowing manufacturers to improve performance, add new features, and address security vulnerabilities remotely. This continuous improvement model extends the lifespan and value of the vehicle, appealing to tech-savvy consumers. The AI integration suggests a focus on personalized driving experiences, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and potentially even autonomous driving features in the future.

The Chinese Advantage: Speed and Software Integration

Chinese automakers are rapidly gaining ground in software development and integration. They often have a faster iteration cycle than traditional manufacturers, allowing them to deploy new features and improvements more quickly. This agility is a key advantage in the increasingly software-defined automotive world. The B03X’s AI-powered cockpit is likely to be a showcase for this capability, potentially offering a more intuitive and responsive user experience than many competitors.

Price Positioning: The Key to Disruption

While Leapmotor remains tight-lipped about pricing, their historical approach suggests a highly competitive strategy. The brand has consistently focused on delivering exceptional value for money, and the B03X is expected to follow suit. A disruptive price point, combined with a generous feature set and a practical range, could position the B03X as a serious contender in the crowded European EV market. The success of the B03X will likely hinge on its ability to undercut rivals while maintaining a perceived level of quality and sophistication.

The Leapmotor B03X isn’t just another electric car; it’s a signal of the changing dynamics in the automotive industry. Chinese manufacturers are no longer content to be followers; they are actively challenging the established order with innovative technology and aggressive pricing. What are your predictions for the impact of Chinese EVs on the European market? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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News

Nutrition: How does the planet stay healthy? – Schifferstadt

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Weck, Worscht & Woi… and a Sustainable Planet? Expert Calls for Rethinking the Palatinate Diet

Kaiserslautern, Germany – A local nutrition expert is sounding the alarm about the environmental cost of our plates, urging residents of the Palatinate region – and beyond – to consider the planetary impact of their food choices. This breaking news comes as global food systems face increasing scrutiny for their contribution to climate change and resource depletion. The call to action arrives at a critical juncture, as scientists predict a need to feed ten billion people sustainably by mid-century.

The Hidden Costs of Traditional Fare

The Palatinate region, known for its hearty cuisine of bread (Weck), sausage (Worscht), and wine (Woi), enjoys a rich culinary tradition. But, as Heike Rossmann, a lecturer in nutrition and consumer education at the Technical University (TU) Kaiserslautern, points out, even beloved regional diets aren’t immune to the pressures of a changing planet. “The pig, a staple in many Palatinate meals, requires significant resources – feed, water, and generates substantial manure,” Rossmann explains. “This manure can leach into groundwater, ultimately impacting the vegetables we consume.”

The issue isn’t limited to pork. Rossmann highlights the significant methane emissions from cattle, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. “Every kilo of meat, whether beef or pork, demands a considerable amount of water and feed,” she adds. These factors are driving a global conversation about the need for more sustainable dietary patterns.

Introducing the ‘Planetary Health Diet’

Rossmann is spearheading this conversation locally with her free lecture, “Planetary Health Diet.” This isn’t about deprivation, she emphasizes, but about informed choices. The concept, developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, proposes a diet that is both healthy for humans and sustainable for the planet. It’s not a rigid prescription, but rather a flexible framework emphasizing plant-based foods, moderate amounts of seafood and poultry, and significantly reduced red meat consumption.

What does a Planetary Health Diet look like? Think more legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It’s about shifting the balance, not eliminating entire food groups. This approach isn’t new; many traditional diets around the world already align closely with these principles. The key is to adapt these principles to local contexts and preferences – even within the Palatinate.

Beyond the Plate: A Holistic Approach to Food Sustainability

The ‘Planetary Health Diet’ isn’t just about what we eat; it’s about how we eat. Reducing food waste, supporting local and sustainable agriculture, and choosing seasonal produce are all crucial components. Consider the carbon footprint of transporting food across continents versus sourcing it from nearby farms. Small changes in our habits can have a significant cumulative impact.

Evergreen Insight: The concept of sustainable diets is gaining traction globally. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has long advocated for sustainable food systems, recognizing their vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from food producers, driving a shift towards more ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

Join the Conversation in Schifferstadt

Heike Rossmann will be presenting her lecture on the “Planetary Health Diet” at the Small Culture House in Schifferstadter Stadtpark (Mannheimer Straße) on Tuesday, November 25th, at 6 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about how your food choices can contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. Don’t miss this chance to engage with a leading expert and explore practical strategies for adopting a more planetary-conscious diet.

The future of food isn’t about sacrificing enjoyment; it’s about evolving our relationship with what we eat. By embracing a more mindful and sustainable approach, we can ensure that future generations – all ten billion of them – have access to nutritious and delicious food, without compromising the health of our planet. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of sustainable living and breaking news impacting our world.

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