Radio signal from HD 189733 system observed using NenuFAR telescope

Star system: HD 189733 A | Distance from the Sun: 64.5 light years

Researchers have identified potential radio signals coming from the HD 189733 system, a discovery that may offer insights into the magnetic fields of planets outside our solar system. Detecting such auroral radio emissions—light produced when charged particles interact with magnetic fields—is a key method for understanding the interiors and potential habitability of distant worlds. The signal was recorded at low frequencies.

The team analyzed data using a technique called beamforming, which combines signals from multiple telescope sensors to increase sensitivity. This analysis revealed a burst of circularly polarized radio light occurring approximately one hour before a previously reported signal from this same system. 

Because the data contained excess background noise, the team is cautious about confirming the astrophysical origin of the signal. While the characteristics of the emission are most consistent with an origin from a planet, they cannot entirely rule out that the burst originated from the star or its red dwarf companion.

Further observations are currently underway to verify if the signal is truly celestial in nature and to check for repeating patterns. Establishing a regular, periodic radio signal would help confirm the cause of the emission and clarify the complex interactions occurring within this star system.

Key findings
- Tentative detection of a circularly polarized radio burst from the HD 189733 system.
- Signal identified approximately one hour prior to a previously documented event.
- Observed characteristics align with expectations for planetary auroral emissions.
- Excess noise in the data necessitates further observations to confirm the signal's origin.

Scientific study

Tentative detection of circularly polarized bursty radio emissions from the HD 189733 exoplanetary system using NenuFAR beamformed observations (external link)