Astronomers Discover Four Mini Earth Exoplanets Around Barnard's Star

Recent astronomical discoveries and advances have deepened our understanding of exoplanets and planetary formation. Using the ALMA telescope, astronomers have captured unprecedented detail of protoplanetary disks around young stars, revealing the subtle disturbances caused by forming planets and providing new insight into the processes shaping planetary systems. In another breakthrough, four low-mass exoplanets were detected orbiting Bernard’s Star using the radial velocity method, with one setting a new record for the least massive planet found by this technique, though none are likely habitable. Meanwhile, NASA and Hubble have released striking images of distant exoplanets, showcasing phenomena such as escaping atmospheres and extreme weather, further illustrating the diversity of worlds beyond our solar system. Additionally, scientists have identified 'super-puff' or 'cotton candy' planets—giant exoplanets with extremely low densities—that challenge existing theories about atmosphere formation and planetary evolution. These discoveries, enabled by advanced telescopes and refined observational methods, are reshaping our understanding of planetary diversity and the environments in which planets form.