Discovery of New Exoplanets Around Evolved Stars HD 87816, HD 94890, and HD 102888

Recent findings from the CORALIE CASCADES IV project have uncovered new planetary systems around three evolved stars: HD 87816, HD 94890, and HD 102888, significantly enhancing our understanding of exoplanet demographics in the universe. The research, led by Emile Fontanet and a team of astronomers, utilized data collected over more than a decade using the CORALIE spectrograph at the La Silla Observatory in Chile. This study, published on July 28, 2025, sheds light on the characteristics of planets orbiting intermediate-mass stars, which are often overlooked in prior exoplanet studies.

The CORALIE CASCADES initiative, initiated in 2006, aims to investigate the population of exoplanets around giant stars that have evolved off the main sequence. According to Dr. Fontanet, a researcher at the University of Geneva, the project addresses a significant gap in our understanding of planetary systems surrounding stars that are more massive than the Sun. "With around 200 exoplanets detected around giant stars, our knowledge remains limited, particularly for those orbiting evolved hosts," Dr. Fontanet stated.

The recent analysis revealed the existence of five new massive planets around the stars HD 87816, HD 94890, and HD 102888, along with a distant, potentially substellar companion associated with HD 102888. The researchers employed a rigorous methodology involving high-precision radial-velocity measurements and sophisticated statistical modeling techniques, including a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach, to confirm the presence of these new celestial bodies.

Dr. Steven Udry, a co-author of the study and Professor of Astronomy at the University of Geneva, emphasized the importance of this research in understanding the evolutionary processes of planetary systems. "These findings not only expand our catalog of known exoplanets but also provide critical insights into the conditions under which these planets form and evolve," he noted during a recent press briefing.

The updated examination of HD 121056 confirms an already known exoplanet with a 89-day orbital period and proposes an adjustment to the outer companion's period. The implications of this research extend beyond mere discovery; they pose significant questions about the habitability of planets around evolved stars and contribute to the ongoing discourse in astrobiology regarding the potential for life in various stellar environments.

As astronomers continue to refine exoplanet detection methods and expand our understanding of celestial phenomena, projects like CORALIE CASCADES IV pave the way for future explorations and may ultimately lead to the discovery of habitable worlds beyond our solar system. The data collected from these evolving stars will undoubtedly fuel further research and discussions in the field of astronomy, prompting scientists to consider the broader implications of these discoveries for our understanding of life in the universe.

This research underscores the collaborative nature of modern astronomy, with contributions from institutions worldwide, including data from the European Southern Observatory and various academic partnerships. As the field of exoplanet research continues to grow, the focus will increasingly turn to the unique characteristics of planets orbiting evolved stars, potentially reshaping our theories about the formation and evolution of planetary systems.

In conclusion, the revelations from the CORALIE CASCADES IV project not only expand the known boundaries of exoplanetary science but also ignite curiosity about the possibilities that lie beyond our own solar system, enhancing our search for extraterrestrial life and the conditions that sustain it.