'Wolf 359': NASA’s Chandra discovers a star that could kill Earth in a million years
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Extreme Weather
Planets around stars like Wolf 359 face intense radiation, challenging potential habitability.
Wolf 359
A red dwarf just 7.8 light-years away, Wolf 359 provides key insights into planetary habitability.
Star Radiation
Wolf 359 emits steady X-rays and ultraviolet radiation, threatening nearby planetary atmospheres.
Greenhouse Shield
Only planets with thick greenhouse gas atmospheres, like Earth, could survive this radiation.
Habitable Zone
The habitable zone around Wolf 359 is 15% the Earth-Sun distance, favoring distant planets.
Deadly Flares
Astronomers detected 18 X-ray flares over 3.5 days, pointing to frequent atmospheric risks.
Planetary Threats
Inner planets in Wolf 359’s orbit would lose their atmospheres in just a million years.
Outer Survival
Planets at the outer edge of the habitable zone might sustain life with a strong greenhouse effect.
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Research Lead
Scott Wolk of Harvard & Smithsonian led the study using NASA’s Chandra and ESA’s XMM telescopes.
Future Challenges
Long-term X-ray flares and ultraviolet radiation make Wolf 359 a harsh environment for life.
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