70 Ophiuchi system could host stable Earth-sized planets

New research published in The Astrophysical Journal suggests that Earth-sized planets could potentially maintain stable orbits within the 70 Ophiuchi star system, which consists of two stars. Located approximately 16 light-years away, the system features two K-type dwarf stars that are smaller and cooler than the Sun.

Using computer simulations to track hypothetical Earth-mass planets over 10 million years, researchers found that certain orbits around the larger star could remain stable despite the gravitational influence of the second star. Some of these stable zones fall within the habitable zone, where liquid water could exist on a planet's surface.

Astrophysicist Stephen Kane noted that the system is relatively close to Earth and emphasized that the search for life should not be limited to solar system analogs. While the study demonstrates that stable orbits are possible, researchers clarified that no actual planet has yet been discovered in the 70 Ophiuchi system.