Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Science

Astronomers Capture Formation of Baby Planet in Real Time

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery by observing a baby planet, known as AB Aurigae b, forming in real time. This protoplanet, approximately four times the mass of Jupiter, is located about 93 astronomical units from its host star, a distance nearly three times that between the Sun and Neptune. This observation provides a rare glimpse into the chaotic and dynamic process of planetary formation.

Protoplanets are celestial bodies in the process of developing into full-fledged planets, situated within the gas and dust disks that surround young stars. Unlike mature planets, they actively feed on surrounding materials through their own circumplanetary disks. The detection of AB Aurigae b marks a significant moment in astronomy as it allows researchers to witness the direct accretion of material, effectively watching the planet grow.

The international team of astronomers, led by researchers from the Astrobiology Center in Japan, utilized the Very Large Telescope in Chile to gather data on this protoplanet. They detected hydrogen alpha emissions, a specific type of light resulting from hot gas spiraling into the planet as it consumes material from the protoplanetary disk. This observation is unprecedented; it provides direct evidence of a planet actively accumulating mass from its surroundings.

Unique Characteristics of AB Aurigae b

The hydrogen emissions from AB Aurigae b displayed a distinctive pattern known as an “inverse P Cygni profile.” This profile indicates that gas is falling inward toward the planet rather than being expelled. Specifically, the data revealed gas moving towards the observers at approximately 100 kilometers per second, while absorption features indicated material moving away at roughly 75 kilometers per second. This unique combination of emissions underscores the active feeding process of the protoplanet.

Unlike other young planets that orbit in cleared gaps within their disks, AB Aurigae b remains embedded in its birth disk. This position allows astronomers to observe the planet’s formation as it gathers mass. The system is estimated to be around 2 million years old, placing it in the earliest stages of planetary formation, which challenges existing models of how planets develop.

Implications for Planet Formation Theories

The findings regarding AB Aurigae b raise questions about standard models of planet formation. Given its significant distance from its star, the planet likely formed via a process where dense regions of the disk collapsed under their own gravity, differing from the core accretion method responsible for the formation of Jupiter and Saturn. This observation offers crucial insights into the mechanisms by which gas giant planets grow during their formation phase.

The circumplanetary disk surrounding AB Aurigae b serves as a vital feeding mechanism, channeling material from the larger protoplanetary disk onto the developing planet. This discovery marks the beginning of a new era in planetary formation studies. Future observations will be essential to determine how much of the detected emission originates from the planet itself compared to the surrounding disk. Additionally, researchers hope to find similar signatures around other young stars, further expanding our understanding of planetary birth.

The original version of this article was published on Universe Today, highlighting the significance of this discovery in the field of astrophysics and our understanding of the universe.

You May Also Like

Sports

The UFC event in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, featured a record-breaking performance from Steven Nguyen, who achieved an unprecedented feat by knocking...

Lifestyle

Shares of **Amerant Bancorp** (NYSE:AMTB) received an upgrade from Wall Street Zen on March 10, 2024, transitioning from a hold rating to a buy...

Entertainment

The upcoming Netflix series, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, is making headlines due to a significant casting change just ten days before filming commenced. Originally...

Entertainment

**Kat Izzo Defends Relationship with Dale Moss Amid Controversy** Kat Izzo, a contestant from the reality series *Bachelor in Paradise*, publicly affirmed her relationship...

Top Stories

UPDATE: Sydney Sweeney’s Baskin-Robbins advertisement is making waves online as backlash intensifies over her recent American Eagle campaign. Just days after critics condemned the...

Politics

King Charles has reportedly outlined specific conditions that Prince Harry must meet to facilitate a potential reunion with the royal family. Following a discreet...

Top Stories

BREAKING: The historic Durango-La Plata Aquatic Center, a cornerstone of community recreation since its opening in August 1958, is facing imminent demolition as part...

Entertainment

Erin Bates Paine, known for her role on the reality show Bringing Up Bates, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following complications...

Top Stories

URGENT UPDATE: Affordable motorcycle helmets under ₹1000 are now available for safety-conscious riders across India. With road safety becoming a pressing issue, these helmets...

Business

An off-Strip casino in Las Vegas has unveiled Nevada’s latest sportsbook, Boomer’s Sports Book, as part of a substantial renovation. The new facility opened...

Sports

The Las Vegas Aces secured a convincing victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, defeating them 89-74 on March 12, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena. This...

Sports

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts, particularly focusing on tight ends. With players like Brock...

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.