Study models stable Earth-mass orbits in 70 Ophiuchi AB’s habitable zone

Orbit simulations track two thousand distances over ten million years

According to ScienceAlert, researchers combined archival and recent radial-velocity measurements with orbital simulations for 70 Ophiuchi AB, about 16 light-years away. They modeled Earth-mass planets at 2,000 distances from the primary star over 10 million years and found stable orbits within its habitable zone. The analysis also attributes the previously suspected giant-planet signal to stellar activity.

The analysis did not detect terrestrial planets in 70 Ophiuchi AB; the source says they remain below the detection threshold. Earlier measurements had also left open a Jupiter-sized explanation for a stellar “wobble.”

The reported analysis excludes Jupiter-mass or larger planets out to about 5 AU from the primary star while modeling stable Earth-mass orbits within that star’s habitable zone. It does not establish that an Earth-sized planet is present or habitable.

Binary stars are common, but a companion star can complicate planetary orbits. The reported result identifies 70 Ophiuchi AB as a target where terrestrial planets could remain dynamically stable, while setting limits on larger planets in part of the system.