Astronomers confirm rare retrograde planet orbiting between two stars

Through the looking glass: Astronomers have uncovered a planetary system that challenges long-held beliefs about where planets can exist. This discovery suggests the universe may hold far more surprising and diverse worlds than previously thought. As observational technology improves, more of these extraordinary systems could soon come to light. Astronomers have discovered a remarkable planetary system that challenges long-held assumptions about where planets can survive. Known as ν (nu) Octantis, the system hosts a giant planet locked in a gravitational tug-of-war between two stars – a configuration once deemed nearly impossible. The story of ν Octantis began more than two decades ago when astronomers detected a repeating signal from the binary star system. For years, debate swirled – was it a planet or merely a quirk of stellar activity? The truth, it turns out, is more intriguing than anyone expected. Researchers utilized the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher at the E ... Read full article.