Bulgarian scientist discovers nearby "super-Earth" exoplanet

published on 3/5/21 12:02 PM

Photo: RenderArea

A Bulgarian planetary scientist has discovered a new nearby "super-Earth" exoplanet. The rocky-surface Gliese 486b is only 26 light years from Earth and is suitable for analysis.

The discovery was published in the prestigious journal Science, as the leading author is Dr. Trifon Trifonov - an astronomer from the Max Planck Institute of Astronomy in Heidelberg, and a graduate of Sofia University, BTA reported.

Gliese 486b is one of the few exoplanets that can help scientists study the composition of the atmosphere rocky earth-like alien world and provide important information about the origin and evolution of earth-like planets, Trifonov said in an interview with the Bulgarian National Television.

The scientist is part of the CARMENES consortium, uniting 11 scientific institutions in Spain and Germany. Their goal is to track more than 350 red dwarf stars.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Life astromony astronomer Earth Gliese 486b Heidelberg Max Planck planet planetary scientist red dwarfs science scientist stars

More from category

From Kardzhali to Brussels via Istanbul – The emigration story of the Mestan family

The tailor shop of the Pedrie and Mümin Mestan family is located on one of the busiest streets in Brussels’ Schaerbeek district. They are originally from Kardzhali but have been living abroad for more than 35 years. In the summer of 1989, they left..

published on 9/20/25 11:25 AM

32nd edition of the Bulgarian Plum Festival to kick off in Troyan, village of Oreshak

The Balkan Mountain, ceramics and the plum fruit are the emblem of the Troyan region. And the locals know how to preserve their traditions. The event that marks the end of the agricultural year at the end of each September – the Bulgarian Plum Festival –..

published on 9/20/25 6:35 AM

Balkan developments

74 % of Romanians have a positive opinion about the introduction of voluntary military service Nearly three-quarters of Romanians (74.2%) have a positive opinion about the introduction of voluntary military service, according to a survey..

published on 9/19/25 12:24 PM