In our endless search to understand the Universe and our place within it, precious little blips in data can hint at entire new worlds.
Dips in the light levels of a star can betray the presence of orbiting planets - and now astronomers have taken the first steps towards using peeps of radio emission to reveal new exoplanetary mysteries.
"Observing planetary auroral radio emission is the most promising method to detect exoplanetary magnetic fields," explained Cornell University astronomer Jake Turner and colleagues
in their new paper, "the knowledge of which will provide valuable insights into the planet's interior structure, atmospheric escape, and habitability."
When stellar wind - charged particles streaming from the host star - hits a planet's magnetic field, its change in speed can be detected as striking variations in radio emissions, statistically described as 'bursty'.
Earth's own magnetic field trills and squeaks
like alien birds as it channels solar winds. We've also heard similar cries
from other planets in our Solar System.
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