US EditionFor the First Time, Astronomers Capture 'Smoking Gun' of Early Solar System Formation
ORION B MOLECULAR CLOUD, JUL 17 – Astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope and ALMA to detect solid minerals forming the earliest protoplanetary material around HOPS-315, 1,300 light-years away.
- On Wednesday, astronomers observed the earliest signs of planet formation around protostar HOPS-315 in the Orion B molecular cloud, announced by ESO.
- According to the Nature study, HOPS-315’s early formation stages mirror those in our Solar System, highlighting insights into planetary origins.
- The James Webb Space Telescope detected crystalline silicate materials, a 'telltale sign' of early planet formation, showing the initial stages of planetary system development.
- Researchers say `This process has never been seen before in a protoplanetary disc – or anywhere outside our Solar System,` said Edwin Bergin; it marks the first observation of planet formation at such an early stage.
- With continued observations, astronomers aim to explore other young star systems across the galaxy, potentially revealing how common Solar System–like systems are.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Astronomers have captured the moment a new solar system was formed for the first time. Scientists announced on Wednesday that it was...
Moment a solar system was born pinpointed for the first time by ESO astronomers
These images illustrate how hot gas condenses into solid minerals around the baby star HOPS-315. The image to the left was taken with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in which ESO is a partner. Two insets show artist’s impressions of molecules of silicon monoxide condensing into solid silicates. Credit: ESO/L. Calçada/ALMA(ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/M. McClure et al. For the first time, astronomers have identified the earliest moment…
Young stars are surrounded by gas and traffic jams, which collect minerals that can grow into new planets over time. Astronomers are now observing the beginning of this process for the first time. The discovery could provide valuable insights.
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