In a mathematically perfect planetary system, there could exist worlds suitable for life (photo).

At the end of 2023, astronomers discovered a very rare mathematically perfect planetary system located 105 light-years away from us. Initially, it was believed to be 8 billion years old, but it has now been revealed to be much younger at just 2.5 billion years. This means that some of these planets could potentially be habitable. The study has been published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, as reported by Space.

Around the star HD 110067, astronomers found 6 planets that are slightly larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. This planetary system is unique because all the planets have mathematically perfectly synchronized orbits, meaning their orbital periods are remarkably in sync. This system features ideal orbital resonances among the planets, a configuration that occurs extremely rarely.

Previously, scientists determined the age of the star HD 110067, which resembles the Sun, by examining its luminosity and temperature. Results indicated that it was 8 billion years old. The authors of the new study utilized the star's activity level and its rotation speed to more accurately ascertain its age. It turned out that the star is only 2.5 billion years old. This suggests that its planetary system is roughly the same age. Additionally, it was found that the star exhibits moderate activity. The star HD 110067 completes a full rotation on its axis in just 20 Earth days, while the Sun takes 27 Earth days to do so.

A more precise estimation of the star's age has helped astronomers gain a better understanding of the evolutionary process of this peculiar planetary system with unique orbits. The scientists concluded that the planets closest to the star are tidally locked, always showing the same face to the star, similar to the Moon's relationship with Earth.

Although all 6 planets are located very close to their star, some of them lie within the star's habitable zone, indicating they may have a sufficiently moderate climate and possibly even liquid water on their surfaces. This suggests that the outermost planets could have conditions suitable for the emergence of life.

At the same time, while the star HD 110067 has moderate activity, it is still relatively young by cosmic standards and emits a significant amount of lethal X-ray and gamma radiation. As a result, the likelihood of life developing is diminished.

Scientists will continue to study this unique planetary system to better understand the conditions on these planets and ultimately determine whether they could be habitable or not.