Exoplanet signal isolated using quasars as positional reference

Detection method corrects image positions against distant background objects, returning 4.4 sigma confidence

Luisa Marconi

Senior Space Correspondent

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Team uses quasars to confirm exoplanet signal AI illustrationhow this picture was made

A research team has distinguished a planetary signal from its host star by using distant quasars as reference points. ^[1] The team corrected observed image positions against the quasars, measuring a 4.4 sigma discrepancy between the candidate signal and the stellar position. Standard planetary formation models predict planets orbit in the same direction as their host star, with aligned orbital planes. ^[2]

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The team distinguished the planetary signal from the host star by using distant quasars as reference points to correct image positions, finding a discrepancy of 4.4 sigmas between the signal and the stellar position. · Xataka MéxicoMexico
Standard planetary formation models predict planets orbit in the same direction as their host star with aligned orbital planes. · La República.pePeru

They publish from Mexico, Peru. None is an official body: that part stands on reporting, not on the underlying document or transcript.