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

Balkan developments

U.S. sanctions on NIS activated despite expectations of delay U.S. sanctions on Serbian oil company NIS – Naftna Industrija Srbije came into force on Thursday after being postponed eight times and despite expectations of yet another postponement,..

published on 10/10/25 2:02 PM

Earth and Man National Museum hosts three-day minerals and fossils exhibition

The Earth and Man National Museum in Sofia is hosting the 33rd Sofia Exhibition of Minerals, Gemstones and Fossils , the institution announced. The three-day event opens today and features companies and collectors of minerals and fossils, as well as..

published on 10/10/25 9:15 AM

The Bulgarian School in São Paulo is enrolling students until October 15

The campaign to enroll students in the Bulgarian School in São Paulo for the 2025/2026 school year will continue until October 15 , its management told BTA. “In the current school year, the school will continue to provide education in the..

published on 10/8/25 9:16 PM