New observational evidence from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which has yet to launch, may change that. JWST astronomers have found tantalising hints of an orbiting gas giant around Alpha Centauri A, the closest Sun-like star to us. Located just four light-years away in the Alpha Centauri triple-star system, the potential planet sits within the star’s habitable zone — the region where liquid water could exist — but its gas giant nature makes it inhospitable to life. Even so, its location and distinctiveness make the detection among the most captivating detections in exoplanetary exploration prior.
JWST Unveils Possible Closest Sun-Like Star Exoplanet, Awaiting Confirmation
According to a NASA report, this was done with the JWST Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) using a coronagraphic mask to block out stellar glare. This method caught sight of an object which is almost 10,000 times fainter than Alpha Centauri A and at a separation of around two astronomical units. If upheld, it would be the nearest exoplanet to a similar being ever pictured and, moreover, the first healthy globe discovered in direct significance.
Researchers noted that while Alpha Centauri already hosts two confirmed planets around the red dwarf Proxima Centauri, no planet has yet been confirmed around Alpha Centauri A. Follow-up JWST observations did not capture the planet again, possibly because it was too close to the star during the imaging. Computer simulations support this possibility.
The team wants to look for more evidence using both JWST and the yet-to-be-launched Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, due in May 2027. Confirmation would represent a watershed moment in planetary system science, where astronomers are looking into embryonic solar systems around other stars.
Researchers said the potential planet’s existence in such a dynamic binary star system could challenge current models of planetary formation and survival. Two papers detailing the findings have been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
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![Volkswagen Thinks Your E-Bike Needs a Pair of Smart Glasses
Volkswagen is bringing some high-tech car features to a new line of electric bikes, including an optional pair of smart glasses. The German automaker recently unveiled two premium Volkswagen-branded e-bikes developed by n+, a bike company that has previously partnered with Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team. © Volkswagen The companies say the bikes were designed with the same “safety-first philosophy” as a modern passenger vehicle and come packed with tech more commonly found in cars like radar, a rearview camera, blind-spot alerts and turn signals. These e-bikes arrive as automakers and startups are showing growing interest in smaller and cheaper electric vehicles designed for shorter trips. But Volkswagen’s smart bikes are surprisingly loaded with more safety features than many of the alternatives.
The bikes’ main feature is the Smart View system, which pairs a rear-facing camera with a screen mounted between the bikes’ handlebars. It also uses radar to provide blind-spot alerts, helping riders to stay aware of approaching traffic without having to take their eyes off the road.
© Volkswagen The bikes also feature an LED strip integrated into the frame’s top tube that acts as a high-visibility daytime running light. It glows red when the rider brakes and amber to signal a turn. Beyond those standard features, Volkswagen and n+ are also offering some optional safety gear. The first is a smart helmet that connects to the bike over Bluetooth and uses high-visibility LEDs that synched to the bike’s brake and turn signals. The helmet also includes a built-in accelerometer that can detect a possible crash and automatically send a text message to the rider’s emergency contacts.
And finally, riders can grab a pair of smart glasses with a heads-up display that puts navigation directions, blind-spot warnings, and other ride information directly within their field of vision. © Volkswagen “[T]echnologies like these are most commonly known from the automotive world. Seeing them make their way onto an e-bike demonstrates how technologies can evolve and be adapted in meaningful ways,” said Peter Jost, CEO of Volkswagen Accessories, Lifestyle & Licenses, in a press release. The smart e-bikes come in two models. The Sport model is designed with agility in mind, while the Crossover model is built for comfort and includes a rear cargo tray. Both bikes offer pedal assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour (about 15.5 mph) and have a maximum estimated range of 160 kilometers (99 miles). The actual range will vary depending on factors like terrain, wind, tire pressure, and rider weight. Battery extenders are available for both models
The Sport model starts at ,999, while the Crossover starts at ,349. The optional smart helmet costs 9, and the smart glasses will set customers back another 9. #Volkswagen #Thinks #EBike #Pair #Smart #Glassese-bikes,smart glasses,Volkswagen](https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/07/volkswagen-smart-bike.jpeg "Volkswagen Thinks Your E-Bike Needs a Pair of Smart Glasses
Volkswagen is bringing some high-tech car features to a new line of electric bikes, including an optional pair of smart glasses. The German automaker recently unveiled two premium Volkswagen-branded e-bikes developed by n+, a bike company that has previously partnered with Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team. © Volkswagen The companies say the bikes were designed with the same “safety-first philosophy” as a modern passenger vehicle and come packed with tech more commonly found in cars like radar, a rearview camera, blind-spot alerts and turn signals. These e-bikes arrive as automakers and startups are showing growing interest in smaller and cheaper electric vehicles designed for shorter trips. But Volkswagen’s smart bikes are surprisingly loaded with more safety features than many of the alternatives.
The bikes’ main feature is the Smart View system, which pairs a rear-facing camera with a screen mounted between the bikes’ handlebars. It also uses radar to provide blind-spot alerts, helping riders to stay aware of approaching traffic without having to take their eyes off the road.
© Volkswagen The bikes also feature an LED strip integrated into the frame’s top tube that acts as a high-visibility daytime running light. It glows red when the rider brakes and amber to signal a turn. Beyond those standard features, Volkswagen and n+ are also offering some optional safety gear. The first is a smart helmet that connects to the bike over Bluetooth and uses high-visibility LEDs that synched to the bike’s brake and turn signals. The helmet also includes a built-in accelerometer that can detect a possible crash and automatically send a text message to the rider’s emergency contacts.
And finally, riders can grab a pair of smart glasses with a heads-up display that puts navigation directions, blind-spot warnings, and other ride information directly within their field of vision. © Volkswagen “[T]echnologies like these are most commonly known from the automotive world. Seeing them make their way onto an e-bike demonstrates how technologies can evolve and be adapted in meaningful ways,” said Peter Jost, CEO of Volkswagen Accessories, Lifestyle & Licenses, in a press release. The smart e-bikes come in two models. The Sport model is designed with agility in mind, while the Crossover model is built for comfort and includes a rear cargo tray. Both bikes offer pedal assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour (about 15.5 mph) and have a maximum estimated range of 160 kilometers (99 miles). The actual range will vary depending on factors like terrain, wind, tire pressure, and rider weight. Battery extenders are available for both models
The Sport model starts at ,999, while the Crossover starts at ,349. The optional smart helmet costs 9, and the smart glasses will set customers back another 9. #Volkswagen #Thinks #EBike #Pair #Smart #Glassese-bikes,smart glasses,Volkswagen")
![Volkswagen Thinks Your E-Bike Needs a Pair of Smart Glasses
Volkswagen is bringing some high-tech car features to a new line of electric bikes, including an optional pair of smart glasses. The German automaker recently unveiled two premium Volkswagen-branded e-bikes developed by n+, a bike company that has previously partnered with Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team. © Volkswagen The companies say the bikes were designed with the same “safety-first philosophy” as a modern passenger vehicle and come packed with tech more commonly found in cars like radar, a rearview camera, blind-spot alerts and turn signals. These e-bikes arrive as automakers and startups are showing growing interest in smaller and cheaper electric vehicles designed for shorter trips. But Volkswagen’s smart bikes are surprisingly loaded with more safety features than many of the alternatives.
The bikes’ main feature is the Smart View system, which pairs a rear-facing camera with a screen mounted between the bikes’ handlebars. It also uses radar to provide blind-spot alerts, helping riders to stay aware of approaching traffic without having to take their eyes off the road.
© Volkswagen The bikes also feature an LED strip integrated into the frame’s top tube that acts as a high-visibility daytime running light. It glows red when the rider brakes and amber to signal a turn. Beyond those standard features, Volkswagen and n+ are also offering some optional safety gear. The first is a smart helmet that connects to the bike over Bluetooth and uses high-visibility LEDs that synched to the bike’s brake and turn signals. The helmet also includes a built-in accelerometer that can detect a possible crash and automatically send a text message to the rider’s emergency contacts.
And finally, riders can grab a pair of smart glasses with a heads-up display that puts navigation directions, blind-spot warnings, and other ride information directly within their field of vision. © Volkswagen “[T]echnologies like these are most commonly known from the automotive world. Seeing them make their way onto an e-bike demonstrates how technologies can evolve and be adapted in meaningful ways,” said Peter Jost, CEO of Volkswagen Accessories, Lifestyle & Licenses, in a press release. The smart e-bikes come in two models. The Sport model is designed with agility in mind, while the Crossover model is built for comfort and includes a rear cargo tray. Both bikes offer pedal assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour (about 15.5 mph) and have a maximum estimated range of 160 kilometers (99 miles). The actual range will vary depending on factors like terrain, wind, tire pressure, and rider weight. Battery extenders are available for both models
The Sport model starts at ,999, while the Crossover starts at ,349. The optional smart helmet costs 9, and the smart glasses will set customers back another 9. #Volkswagen #Thinks #EBike #Pair #Smart #Glassese-bikes,smart glasses,Volkswagen](https://i1.wp.com/gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/07/volkswagen-smart-bike.jpeg?ssl=1 "Volkswagen Thinks Your E-Bike Needs a Pair of Smart Glasses
Volkswagen is bringing some high-tech car features to a new line of electric bikes, including an optional pair of smart glasses. The German automaker recently unveiled two premium Volkswagen-branded e-bikes developed by n+, a bike company that has previously partnered with Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team. © Volkswagen The companies say the bikes were designed with the same “safety-first philosophy” as a modern passenger vehicle and come packed with tech more commonly found in cars like radar, a rearview camera, blind-spot alerts and turn signals. These e-bikes arrive as automakers and startups are showing growing interest in smaller and cheaper electric vehicles designed for shorter trips. But Volkswagen’s smart bikes are surprisingly loaded with more safety features than many of the alternatives.
The bikes’ main feature is the Smart View system, which pairs a rear-facing camera with a screen mounted between the bikes’ handlebars. It also uses radar to provide blind-spot alerts, helping riders to stay aware of approaching traffic without having to take their eyes off the road.
© Volkswagen The bikes also feature an LED strip integrated into the frame’s top tube that acts as a high-visibility daytime running light. It glows red when the rider brakes and amber to signal a turn. Beyond those standard features, Volkswagen and n+ are also offering some optional safety gear. The first is a smart helmet that connects to the bike over Bluetooth and uses high-visibility LEDs that synched to the bike’s brake and turn signals. The helmet also includes a built-in accelerometer that can detect a possible crash and automatically send a text message to the rider’s emergency contacts.
And finally, riders can grab a pair of smart glasses with a heads-up display that puts navigation directions, blind-spot warnings, and other ride information directly within their field of vision. © Volkswagen “[T]echnologies like these are most commonly known from the automotive world. Seeing them make their way onto an e-bike demonstrates how technologies can evolve and be adapted in meaningful ways,” said Peter Jost, CEO of Volkswagen Accessories, Lifestyle & Licenses, in a press release. The smart e-bikes come in two models. The Sport model is designed with agility in mind, while the Crossover model is built for comfort and includes a rear cargo tray. Both bikes offer pedal assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour (about 15.5 mph) and have a maximum estimated range of 160 kilometers (99 miles). The actual range will vary depending on factors like terrain, wind, tire pressure, and rider weight. Battery extenders are available for both models
The Sport model starts at ,999, while the Crossover starts at ,349. The optional smart helmet costs 9, and the smart glasses will set customers back another 9. #Volkswagen #Thinks #EBike #Pair #Smart #Glassese-bikes,smart glasses,Volkswagen")
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