Chris Fox has had a love affair with the stars since he was a child. Now, the Ph D student in the department of physics and astronomy at Western University is celebrating the discovery of a new exoplanet, a planet that is outside of our solar system.

"I was very excited," said Fox. "I got what I was looking for. It was a really good feeling."

Chris Fox, Ph D student at Western University

The new planet is called Kepler 159d. Fox found it by investigating gravitational effects on Kepler 159b and Kepler 159c, two exoplanets previously discovered by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope.

A red letter day

"Discovering new planets is not an everyday affair," said Paul Wiegert, Graduate Program Director at Western's Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration. "We were pretty ecstatic finding a new planet. A red letter day, for sure."

Wiegert said this discovery is not only exciting, it will help scientists understand our solar system.

"The beauty of exoplanets and astronomical research in general is that it tells us about our place in the universe," said Wiegert. "As we discover new exoplanets, we start to discover that these planets are actually quite different than what we have in our solar system."

The Goldilocks zone

Kepler 159d is about the same size as Saturn and orbits its star in 88 days, according to Fox. But, that's not all.

"One of the more exciting things is that it's in what's called the habitable zone. It's not too cold and it's not too hot. It's called the Goldilocks zone," said Fox.

That means there's the potential to have liquid water. But, does that mean there could be life on Kepler 159d?

"It would be a good first step," said Fox. "We have no indication one way or the other if there's life on it. And, since the planet is so big, it's probably a gas giant so if it did have life, it would probably be very, very different than what we think of as life here on earth."

Answering those types of "really, really big questions" is all part of the process said Wiegert.

"But, we have a long way to go."</s>Credit: University of Western Ontario

Ever since Chris Fox was a young boy, he wanted to visit alien planets. With no immediate plans for such a voyage, the Western University graduate student has done the next best thing. He's gone and found one.

Teamed with Paul Wiegert, Graduate Program Director at Western's renowned Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX), Fox discovered the exoplanet—provisionally known as Kepler 159d—by investigating gravitational effects on Kepler 159b and Kepler 159c. These two previously discovered exoplanets were detected by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope, an observatory in space charged with finding planets outside our solar system, particularly alien planets that are around the same size as Earth in the habitable regions of their parent star.

Kepler 159d was not actually seen by Fox and Wiegert rather it was variations in the orbits of Kepler 159b and Kepler that allowed the planetary scientists to deduce its presence.

"I've been a space buff since I was a little kid, I watched all of the old sci-fi shows and I always wanted to go to another planet," says Fox. "We can't go to the planets quite yet, so this is as good as it gets for now."

Kepler 159d has a mass comparable to that of Saturn, the second-largest planet in our solar system. And like Saturn, it is likely mostly composed of gases with no distinct solid surface.

Simulated view of the Kepler 159 system. Credit: University of Western Ontario

Whether Kepler 159d has rings or moons like Saturn is still unknown but what is known is that it orbits within its star's 'Habitable Zone,' which means temperatures are in the range suitable for Earth-life but there is no evidence on whether there is actually any life in the system.

The central star of Kepler 159d's planetary system is a red dwarf star (spectral class M0V) with a mass estimated at 52 per cent of that of our Sun. Its surface temperature is about 3600 Celsius (3893 Kelvin) while the Sun's is 5500C (5770 K).

The finding was published in the scientific journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Credit: University of Western Ontario

More information: Chris Fox et al, A New Planet in the Kepler-159 System From Transit Timing Variations, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2018). Journal information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Chris Fox et al, A New Planet in the Kepler-159 System From Transit Timing Variations,(2018). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/sty2738</s>Ever since Chris Fox was a young boy, he wanted to visit alien planets. With no immediate plans for such a voyage, the Western University graduate student has done the next best thing. He's gone and found one.

Teamed with Paul Wiegert, Graduate Program Director at Western's renowned Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX), Fox discovered the exoplanet - provisionally known as Kepler 159d - by investigating gravitational effects on Kepler 159b and Kepler 159c. These two previously discovered exoplanets were detected by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope, an observatory in space charged with finding planets outside our solar system, particularly alien planets that are around the same size as Earth in the habitable regions of their parent star.

For more data, images and an animation, please visit https:/

Kepler 159d was not actually seen by Fox and Wiegert rather it was variations in the orbits of Kepler 159b and Kepler that allowed the planetary scientists to deduce its presence.

"I've been a space buff since I was a little kid, I watched all of the old sci-fi shows and I always wanted to go to another planet," says Fox. "We can't go to the planets quite yet, so this is as good as it gets for now."

Kepler 159d has a mass comparable to that of Saturn, the second-largest planet in our solar system. And like Saturn, it is likely mostly composed of gases with no distinct solid surface.

Whether Kepler 159d has rings or moons like Saturn is still unknown but what is known is that it orbits within its star's 'Habitable Zone,' which means temperatures are in the range suitable for Earth-life but there is no evidence on whether there is actually any life in the system.

The central star of Kepler 159d's planetary system is a red dwarf star (spectral class M0V) with a mass estimated at 52 per cent of that of our Sun. Its surface temperature is about 3600 Celsius (3893 Kelvin) while the Sun's is 5500C (5770 K).

The finding was published in the scientific journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.</s>Western planetary scientists Chris Fox and Prof. Paul Wiegert have discovered a new exoplanet - Kepler 159d - orbiting a star in a 'habitable zone' about 500 light-years from Earth.

Ever since Chris Fox was a young boy, he wanted to visit alien planets. Now he has gone an found one – although, at about 500 light years from Earth, it would be a tough commute.

The Western University graduate student has teamed with Paul Wiegert, Graduate Program Director at Western’s renowned Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX), in discovering the exoplanet – provisionally known as Kepler 159d.

Fox and Wiegert did not actually view Kepler 159d; rather, they deduced its presence by investigating its gravitational effects on the orbits of Kepler 159b and Kepler 159c.

These two previously discovered exoplanets were detected by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope, an observatory in space charged with finding planets outside our solar system, particularly alien planets that are around the same size as Earth in the habitable regions of their parent star.

“I’ve been a space buff since I was a little kid, I watched all of the old sci-fi shows and I always wanted to go to another planet,” says Fox. “We can’t go to the planets quite yet, so this is as good as it gets for now.”

Kepler 159d has a mass comparable to that of Saturn, the second-largest planet in our solar system. And like Saturn, it is likely mostly composed of gases with no distinct solid surface.

Whether Kepler 159d has rings or moons like Saturn is still unknown but what is known is that it orbits within its star’s ‘Habitable Zone,’ which means temperatures are in the range suitable for Earth-life – although but there is no evidence on whether there is actually any life in the system.

The central star of Kepler 159d’s planetary system is a red dwarf star (spectral class M0V) with a mass estimated at 52 per cent of that of our Sun. Its surface temperature is about 3600 Celsius (3893 Kelvin) while the Sun’s is 5500C (5770 K).

The finding was published in the scientific journal,</s>Teamed with Paul Wiegert, Graduate Program Director at Western's renowned Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX), Fox discovered the exoplanet—provisionally known as Kepler 159d—by investigating gravitational effects on Kepler 159b and Kepler 159c. These two previously discovered exoplanets were detected by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope, an observatory in space charged with finding planets outside our solar system, particularly alien planets that are around the same size as Earth in the habitable regions of their parent star.

Kepler 159d was not actually seen by Fox and Wiegert rather it was variations in the orbits of Kepler 159b and Kepler that allowed the planetary scientists to deduce its presence.

"I've been a space buff since I was a little kid, I watched all of the old sci-fi shows and I always wanted to go to another planet," says Fox. "We can't go to the planets quite yet, so this is as good as it gets for now."

Kepler 159d has a mass comparable to that of Saturn, the second-largest planet in our solar system. And like Saturn, it is likely mostly composed of gases with no distinct solid surface.

Whether Kepler 159d has rings or moons like Saturn is still unknown but what is known is that it orbits within its star's 'Habitable Zone,' which means temperatures are in the range suitable for Earth-life but there is no evidence on whether there is actually any life in the system.

The central star of Kepler 159d's planetary system is a red dwarf star (spectral class M0V) with a mass estimated at 52 per cent of that of our Sun. Its surface temperature is about 3600 Celsius (3893 Kelvin) while the Sun's is 5500C (5770 K).

The finding was published in the scientific journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Explore further: Finding a 'lost' planet, about the size of Neptune

More information: Chris Fox et al, A New Planet in the Kepler-159 System From Transit Timing Variations, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2018). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/sty2738</s>Out-of-this world research at Western University will continue to keep an eye on the stars, thanks to an infusion of federal cash.

The school’s Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration announced Thursday its researchers have discovered a new exoplanet, called Kepler 159d.

That discovery was made possible by a federally funded Discovery Grant and that work can continue, as also on Thursday Ottawa announced Western will get $23-million to be shared among more than 90 scientific and research projects at the school.

“These grants are the bread and butter of research in science and engineering. It supports ongoing work,” said John Capone, vice-president research at Western University.

“It has already funded one of our investigations, discovering a new exoplanet, part of the mission of the university is discovery. This research is impactful. Its findings are significant.”

Although space exploration may be the latest example of what these grants can achieve, the funding will cut across all disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology, biology, health sciences, computer technology, artificial intelligence – literally “the full nine yards of engineering and science research,” said Capone.

“At university, knowledge and discovery go hand-in-hand,” he added. “This gives us information on the world around us.”

The funding is part of more than $558 million announced earlier this week by the federal government, supporting nearly 4,300 researchers and students., It was awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

“We made a commitment to take research seriously, to invest and recognize there are social benefits that come from research,” said Peter Fragiskatos, MP for London North Centre.

“There is value in discovery. We are talking about innovation. New ideas have to be supported. That is what this investment is doing.”

Smart phone technology was initially pushed forward by federal funding, and is an example of how it can also drive economic growth, he added.

The grants are handed out by a panel of scientists and are not political, said Kate Young, MP, London West and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Science and Sport.

“It really helps early career researchers to make important discoveries that impact Canadians and the world for years to come,” said Young.

“Research at universities takes time. It really does underscore the importance of Western in the world of research.”

As for the exoplanet discovery, it was made by graduate student Chris Fox who teamed with Paul Wiegert, graduate program director at Western’s Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration.

Fox discovered the exoplanet by investigating gravitational effects on two other exoplanets, stated a Western release.

“I’ve been a space buff since I was a little kid. I watched all of the old sci-fi shows and I always wanted to go to another planet,” said Fox. “We can’t go to the planets quite yet, so this is as good as it gets for now.”

Kepler 159d has a mass comparable to that of Saturn, the second-largest planet in our solar system. It is likely mostly composed of gases with no distinct solid surface, the Western release said.

Among this year’s Discovery Grants recipients is the University of Waterloo’s Dr. Donna Strickland, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, who is receiving support for her work on using lasers to better understand matter at the molecular level.

The finding on Kepler 159d was published in the scientific journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Kepler 159d, a exoplanet with the same size as Saturn, is discovered by University of Western Ontario student Chris Fox and professor Paul Wiegert.