Universities unveil tech designed to discover ‘first Earth-like planet’


The astrocomb laser system developed by researchers from Heriot-Watt and Cambridge Universities has been compared to a distorted guitar and is designed ‘extremely sensitive wavelength measurements’ of the light spectrum

University academics have developed a tool they believe could help discover the “first Earth-like planet”.

Physicists from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and the University of Cambridge have developed a laser system that they say could help identify the “telltale signs” of hidden planets. The new tool is intended to offer a more accurate study of the spectrum of light from nearby stars, allowing for sensitive measurements of how the universe is expanding.

The system, known as astrocomb, allows for “extremely sensitive wavelength measurements” of the light spectrum, potentially “tens of hundreds of times better” than current technology, professor Derryck Reid from Heriot-Watt University said.

It is the first-ever tool capable of “continuous coverage” from the ultraviolet to the blue-green spectrum, which “is rich in the atomic absorption features of interest to astronomers”, he added.


Related content


“We achieved this by using special devices that exhibit so-called ‘nonlinear optical effects’, which can dramatically change the colour of a laser beam if its power is sufficiently high,” he said. “A nice analogy is in rock music, where audio distortion (nonlinearity) is heard when the signal from an electric guitar is high, but not when it is lower. That distortion is simply new audio frequencies being created in the guitar amplifier – our devices do the same thing, but for light. Importantly, we’ve achieved a wide and continuous spectrum of ultraviolet to blue-green colours using a laser with remarkably low power, and of the same kind already in use in some astronomical telescopes.”

The technology will be integrated into the Extremely Large Telescope, currently under construction in Chile. The team is also working with astronomers in Cambridge, Uppsala and Capetown on astrocombs for telescopes in the Canary Islands and South Africa.

Astrophysics researcher from the University of Cambridge, Dr Samantha Thompson, said: “When astronomers hunt for exoplanets with the Radial Velocity technique, they study the light from stars. Planets orbiting these stars cause the star to move, bringing about tiny changes in the colour of the starlight – if we can accurately measure those, we can discover and characterise new planets.”

A version of this story originally appeared on PublicTechnology sister publication Holyrood

Sofia Villegas

Learn More →

68 thoughts on “Universities unveil tech designed to discover ‘first Earth-like planet’

  1. 송도콜걸출장섹스마사지 November 25, 2024 at 12:49 pm

    벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 (구인구직, 부동산) 벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 바로가기 그리고 지역별 벼룩시장 종이신문그대로보기 방법 (구인구직, 부동산) 알아볼게요. 교차로신문 같이 벼룩시장은 지역별 일자리, 구인구직, 부동산 등 다양한 정보를 제공해요. 교차로신문그대로보기 바로가기는 아래에서 확인하고, 오늘은 벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 바로가기 그리고 사용법 섹스카지노사이트

  2. 송도콜걸출장섹스마사지 November 25, 2024 at 1:00 pm

    벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 (구인구직, 부동산) 벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 바로가기 그리고 지역별 벼룩시장 종이신문그대로보기 방법 (구인구직, 부동산) 알아볼게요. 교차로신문 같이 벼룩시장은 지역별 일자리, 구인구직, 부동산 등 다양한 정보를 제공해요. 교차로신문그대로보기 바로가기는 아래에서 확인하고, 오늘은 벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 바로가기 그리고 사용법 섹스카지노사이트

  3. portion control plate with lid November 30, 2024 at 3:51 am

    bariatric plate model

  4. 강남콜걸출장섹스마사지 November 30, 2024 at 7:38 am

    강남안마시술소중계업체

  5. 통도사콜걸출장섹스마사지 December 4, 2024 at 9:45 am

    거제출장안마

  6. 신림동콜걸출장섹스마사지 December 8, 2024 at 2:29 pm

    아름다운스웨디시업소

  7. 신림동콜걸출장섹스마사지 December 8, 2024 at 3:47 pm

    충무로출장업소

  8. Arthur Creamer December 8, 2024 at 6:26 pm

    Helpful info. Lucky me I discovered your site accidentally, and I’m shocked why this twist of fate didn’t came about earlier! I bookmarked it.

  9. Britni Enote December 9, 2024 at 11:40 am

    Thank you, I have recently been searching for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the best I have came upon till now. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive about the source?

  10. Lizbeth Secor December 9, 2024 at 4:55 pm

    Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you actually know what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also consult with my website =). We may have a hyperlink trade contract between us!

  11. Khalilah Zamborsky December 9, 2024 at 5:00 pm

    Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

  12. Elisha Nunnelley December 9, 2024 at 5:26 pm

    You can definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  13. Kirstie Skubik December 10, 2024 at 9:43 pm

    Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  14. Tegan Aarons December 10, 2024 at 11:39 pm

    Good article and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thx 🙂

  15. Gonzalo Thein December 12, 2024 at 9:45 pm

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  16. Prudence Applin December 13, 2024 at 1:29 am

    My spouse and i got now fulfilled that Ervin could finish off his researching using the ideas he was given while using the weblog. It is now and again perplexing just to continually be freely giving concepts which people today could have been selling. We really see we have got the website owner to appreciate because of that. Most of the illustrations you have made, the simple website menu, the friendships you will help to promote – it’s got everything fantastic, and it’s really making our son in addition to the family reason why this article is exciting, which is truly vital. Many thanks for the whole lot!

  17. 마천출장섹스마사지 December 13, 2024 at 2:42 am

    https://honeytiplabs.com/유튜브-성인인증/

  18. Stefanie Hickingbottom December 15, 2024 at 3:41 pm

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming as well. Actually your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own web site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a good example of it.

  19. Branden Bransom December 15, 2024 at 5:29 pm

    Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice post.

  20. Neville Swisshelm December 15, 2024 at 10:53 pm

    Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really understand what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally consult with my site =). We can have a hyperlink trade contract between us!

  21. Emma Bahlmann December 16, 2024 at 1:32 am

    I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing skills has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a great example of it.

  22. 송도건마출장섹스마사지 December 16, 2024 at 10:08 am

    https://generatepress.com/

  23. Nickolas Luzuriaga December 16, 2024 at 10:11 am

    Hello, Neat post. There is a problem along with your site in internet explorer, could test this… IE still is the market leader and a good part of other people will miss your excellent writing due to this problem.

  24. 일산건마출장섹스마사지 December 16, 2024 at 11:05 am

    대전세븐나이트

  25. 부평출장섹스마사지 December 19, 2024 at 12:16 am

    https://dnolife.net/software/twitch/

  26. 달서구출장섹스마사지 December 19, 2024 at 12:49 am

    https://arlstory.com/cheonan-intersection/

  27. 부평출장섹스마사지 December 19, 2024 at 12:47 pm

    https://dnolife.net/software/bugs/

  28. 도쿄핫걸출장섹스마사지 December 20, 2024 at 7:39 am

    거제출장안마

  29. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 December 30, 2024 at 9:10 pm

    안성출장마사지

  30. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 December 31, 2024 at 8:37 am

    https://itgunza.com/975

  31. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 December 31, 2024 at 9:26 pm

    안성출장마사지

  32. Raul Topolski December 31, 2024 at 9:43 pm

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to mention that I have really loved browsing your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing on your feed and I’m hoping you write once more soon!

  33. Salvatore Kaul December 31, 2024 at 10:36 pm

    Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to know a lot approximately this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I believe that you just could do with some percent to drive the message home a little bit, however instead of that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  34. Son Hovis December 31, 2024 at 11:20 pm

    Someone necessarily assist to make seriously articles I would state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and up to now? I surprised with the research you made to create this actual put up incredible. Excellent job!

  35. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 January 1, 2025 at 11:23 am

    https://kakaotaxi.dasgno.com/page/2

  36. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 January 1, 2025 at 12:19 pm

    https://madreviewer.tistory.com/manage

  37. Trenton Prusinski January 1, 2025 at 6:17 pm

    you’re really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a magnificent job on this topic!

  38. Curt Supino January 1, 2025 at 7:14 pm

    Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thanks

  39. Lai Goerlich January 1, 2025 at 9:03 pm

    I just couldn’t depart your web site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to check up on new posts

  40. Floria Thorsted January 2, 2025 at 12:46 am

    It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  41. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 January 2, 2025 at 12:52 am

    https://k-studio.kr/농협-올원-비상금대출-대부분-거절되는-2가지-사유/

  42. Consuela Synan January 2, 2025 at 1:11 am

    Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such excellent info being shared freely out there.

  43. Jared Israels January 2, 2025 at 3:09 am

    This website is really a stroll-through for all of the information you wished about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and also you’ll positively uncover it.

  44. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 January 2, 2025 at 11:12 am

    https://gorgopage.com/그린카-그린패스-가입-해지-24시간-할인-쿠폰/

  45. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 January 2, 2025 at 11:38 am

    강남콜걸

  46. Arlen Swist January 2, 2025 at 7:06 pm

    Whats up! I just want to give an enormous thumbs up for the nice data you’ve here on this post. I will likely be coming again to your weblog for more soon.

  47. Alphonse Fetty January 2, 2025 at 7:46 pm

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!

  48. Myles Perritt January 2, 2025 at 8:03 pm

    With every little thing that appears to be developing inside this subject matter, a significant percentage of perspectives tend to be relatively exciting. On the other hand, I am sorry, because I do not give credence to your whole theory, all be it exhilarating none the less. It looks to everyone that your opinions are generally not completely rationalized and in actuality you are yourself not fully certain of your point. In any case I did take pleasure in looking at it.

  49. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 January 2, 2025 at 9:27 pm

    https://souhaya.tistory.com/1646

  50. Kyle Vinton January 2, 2025 at 10:26 pm

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks

  51. 성골보지출장섹스마사지 January 2, 2025 at 10:42 pm

    http://baekis.egloos.com/6642320

  52. Kayleigh Arnot January 3, 2025 at 2:30 am

    Hi there, simply became aware of your weblog via Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels. I will be grateful if you proceed this in future. Lots of other folks will likely be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  53. 섹스노리야동코리아 January 19, 2025 at 4:24 am

    https://infohelpforyou.com/tag/ec9ab8ec82b0eab590ecb0a8eba19c-ed9988ed8e98ec9db4eca780/

  54. 섹스노리야동코리아 January 22, 2025 at 4:33 am

    https://dnolife.net/software/evernote/

  55. Takisha Sullivant January 24, 2025 at 11:04 pm

    Optimization of the revenue cycle starts by selecting the right coders for the job.

  56. psychiatrist January 24, 2025 at 11:50 pm

    Regular updates to certifications in coding allow coders to manage difficult cases with ease.

  57. money January 25, 2025 at 1:28 am

    Optimization of the revenue cycle starts by hiring the right coding professionals for the job.

  58. accounting January 26, 2025 at 6:14 pm

    Staffing agencies play an essential role in supplying certified coders for optimized billing processes.

  59. Perry Gritz January 26, 2025 at 6:19 pm

    Healthcare providers should work with staffing agencies that are focused on finding certified coders.

  60. contract January 26, 2025 at 7:00 pm

    Certified medical coders help ensure that medical professionals meet deadlines for reimbursement efficiently.

  61. 섹스노리야동코리아 January 28, 2025 at 1:37 pm

    https://klero.tistory.com/tag/XRP

  62. 섹스노리야동코리아 January 29, 2025 at 5:22 am

    https://kakaotaxi.dasgno.com/page/4

  63. 섹스노리야동코리아 February 2, 2025 at 2:07 pm

    강남콜걸

  64. 섹스노리야동코리아 February 3, 2025 at 11:32 pm

    벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 (구인구직, 부동산) 벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 바로가기 그리고 지역별 벼룩시장 종이신문그대로보기 방법 (구인구직, 부동산) 알아볼게요. 교차로신문 같이 벼룩시장은 지역별 일자리, 구인구직, 부동산 등 다양한 정보를 제공해요. 교차로신문그대로보기 바로가기는 아래에서 확인하고, 오늘은 벼룩시장 신문그대로보기 바로가기 그리고 사용법 섹스카지노사이트

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *