A new look at planetary formation in different regions of the Milky Way has become possible after detailed observations of the neighborhood of 86 young stars in the galaxy carried out using the Very Large Telescope (TGT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Installed in Chile.
In a series of three studies published in the journal Astronomy and astrophysics (A new window) (in English) Astrophysicists from about a dozen countries paint the most accurate picture yet of planetary formation disks around stars in three regions of our galaxy, located between 600 and 1,600 light-years from Earth.
A selection of images showing disks from regions of our Galaxy that have been observed in studies.
Image: European Southern Observatory/C. Jinsky, A. Jarofi, P.-G. Valegaard et al.
These regions (Orion's clouds, Chameleon I clouds, and Taurus clouds) are known to be the birthplaces of many stars larger than the mass of the Sun.
This is a real game changer in our field of study
announces in a press release astronomer Christian Jenske, of the University of Galway, Ireland, the lead author of one of these studies.
We have moved from the intensive study of individual star systems to this comprehensive overview of entire star-forming regions.
The new images provide scientists with a treasure trove of data that is sure to come Help uncover the secrets of planet formation
“, explains the press release.
Planet-forming disks around young stars and their location in the gas-rich Orion Cloud, about 1,600 light-years from Earth.
Photo: ESO/P.-G. Valegard et al.; Iras
Milestones
- At least 5,587 exoplanets have been officially discovered in more than 4,155 planetary systems.
- There are over 10,146 additional exoplanets currently awaiting confirmation.
Artistic illustration showing a budding star surrounded by a disk in which planets are forming.
Image: ISO/L. Calada
How are planets born?
Exoplanets often originate in systems very different from the solar system. More precisely, they are born in the dust- and gas-rich disks surrounding young stars.
These disks of matter are found in massive clouds of gas where stars themselves form into veritable stellar nurseries.
From one disk to another
The new images obtained show the great diversity of disks forming around these young stars. In fact, they are surprisingly diverse as are mature planetary systems.
Some of these disks feature massive spiral arms, perhaps set in motion by the complex ballet of planets orbiting them.
Astronomer Antonio Garofi from the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics, and lead author of one of the studies, adds: Others [disques] They feature large rings and hollows that were sculpted by planetary formation, while others still appear smooth and almost dormant amidst all the activity.
.
These images provide researchers with reality A treasure trove of data that will be used in the coming years to clarify some of the mysteries surrounding planetary formation
.
Surprising observations
In the Orion Cloud, scientists found that stars grouped in two or more pairs were less likely to see large disks than planets forming.
This is an important observation because, unlike our Sun, most stars in the galaxy have companions. In addition, the irregular appearance of the disks in the Orion constellation indicates the presence of massive planets within these disks. Which may lead to its distortion and imbalance
.
In the coming years, these planet-forming systems will be examined with new instruments, including the European Giant Telescope.Eso It is scheduled to enter service by 2027. Its large, 39-meter mirror will allow astrophysicists to study more deeply the regions around young stars, where rocky planets like Earth could form.
It's almost poetic that the processes that mark the beginning of the journey to planetary formation and ultimately life in our solar system are so beautiful
Points out Per Gunnar Valegaard, from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, who led one of the studies.
“Hardcore beer fanatic. Falls down a lot. Professional coffee fan. Music ninja.”
More Stories
Why are your eyes at risk?
Xbox is exploring options to revive the Fallout franchise
The seven articles you shouldn't miss this week