he search for extraterrestrial life and worlds suitable for it requires extraordinary precision. A new study led by astronomers from the University of Michigan, published in The Astrophysical Journal, has established record sensitivity limits while observing one of the nearest binary star systems to us — 70 Ophiuchi AB (70 Oph AB).
This system has a rich history. In 1855, British astronomer William Jacob claimed to have detected a planet there, making 70 Oph AB the first officially proposed exoplanet-host candidate in the history of astronomy. However, modern calculations have shown otherwise — there is no gas giant with a mass equal to or greater than Jupiter’s in the inner regions of this system.
Although the absence of a large planet may seem disappointing, for scientists it is an important breakthrough. It narrows the search range and opens the way to detecting smaller, potentially habitable planets.
To read more, click here.