New research has debunked the existence of the planet Vulcan, previously believed to orbit 40 Eridani A. The signals thought to indicate the planet’s presence were actually attributed to the star’s surface activity. The study, published in The Astronomical Journal, used precision measurements from a NASA-NSF instrument to clarify doubts surrounding the discovery.
The methods used for detecting exoplanets were discussed, with the radial velocity method playing a key role in debunking Vulcan’s existence. The analysis confirmed that the signals initially thought to be from a “super-Earth” orbiting the star were actually caused by variations on the star’s surface.
Despite the disappointment for Star Trek fans, the detailed measurements offer hope for future discoveries. The study, led by astronomer Abigail Burrows, was published in May 2024, revealing that the planet candidate orbiting HD 26965 is actually due to stellar activity. The findings emphasize the importance of meticulous observation in distinguishing between real planets and surface phenomena on distant stars.
