Planet orbits so close to its star that their magnetic fields connect
SMRTR summary
Astronomers have found strong evidence that a planet orbiting the star GJ 436 is magnetically connected to its star through looping magnetic field lines — a rare and dramatic interaction made possible by how incredibly close the two are. This connection causes detectable flares in the star's outer atmosphere, but only during moderate stellar activity levels. The planet's magnetic field is estimated at a minimum of 6 Gauss, more than 10 times Earth's.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Ars Technica.
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