Astronomers have identified potential signs of an exoplanet orbiting the star HD 156295, a hot blue-white star of spectral class A. Located 140 light-years from Earth, the star is roughly nine times brighter than the Sun and maintains a surface temperature between 7500 and 7800 degrees Celsius.
The research team utilized data from the TESS space telescope, analyzing nearly 16,500 pulsating delta Scuti stars. By tracking periodic shifts in the timing of stellar pulsations, scientists detected gravitational anomalies suggesting the presence of a massive body orbiting the star.
Calculations indicate that the candidate planet, HD 156295 b, orbits its host star every 2200 days at a distance of approximately 3.9 astronomical units. This position places the object near the outer edge of the star's habitable zone, where temperatures could theoretically support liquid water.
The object is likely a gas giant with a mass several times greater than that of Jupiter. Researchers emphasize that the discovery remains preliminary, with a probability of existence slightly above 50 percent. Further observations are required to confirm the findings and rule out stellar activity.
