WEB DESK: In a twist reminiscent of science fiction, the supposed planet orbiting the star 40 Eridani A, famously associated with Mr. Spock’s fictional home planet, Vulcan, in the “Star Trek” universe, has been revealed as an astronomical illusion. A study led by astronomer Abigail Burrows of Dartmouth College, published in The Astronomical Journal, attributes this illusion to the pulses and fluctuations of the star itself.
The initial excitement surrounding the potential discovery of a planet orbiting 40 Eridani A in 2018 was met with skepticism five years later. Using precise measurements from a NASA-NSF instrument atop Kitt Peak in Arizona, the team has now debunked the existence of the planet, relegating it firmly back into the realm of science fiction.
While most exoplanet discoveries rely on the transit method, which detects dips in starlight as planets pass in front of their stars, the radial velocity method tracks subtle shifts in starlight caused by the gravitational tug of orbiting planets. However, this method can be less reliable for smaller planets.
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The instrument NEID, installed at Kitt Peak National Observatory, played a crucial role in this revelation. By analyzing the Doppler shifts of starlight at different wavelengths, researchers discovered significant discrepancies, indicating that the supposed planet signal was actually caused by fluctuations on the star’s surface.
Although the demise of the fictional planet Vulcan may disappoint “Star Trek” fans, the study highlights the advancements in radial velocity measurements, offering hope for more accurate detection of exoplanets in the future. Despite Vulcan’s fate in the “Star Trek” universe, its destruction has been anticipated, underscoring the enduring influence of science fiction on our understanding of the cosmos.
