50 years ago, astronomers challenged claims that Barnard’s star has a planet

An illustration of an exoplanet in orbit around a star.

For decades, scientists and science fiction authors have speculated about whether Barnard’s star, the fastest moving star in the night sky and just six light-years from the sun, might host a planet (one illustrated).

M. Kornmesser/ESO

Cover of the December 1, 1973 issue of Science News

No planet for Barnard’s star? — Science News, December 1, 1973

Over the years evidence has been brought forward for planetary companions revolving around two or three stars other than the sun.