An international team of astronomers captured the moment for the first time in history, when the formation of planets around a young star begins. Object of study-HOPS-315, protozor at a distance of approximately 1300 light years from the ground, which was observed with the help of Alma Radio Telescope and Space Telescope James Webba (JWST).
The formation of minerals is the first step to planets
Team, led McClure -headed by Leiden University, discovered hot minerals in the stage of condensation — these are the first solid particles, from which planets arise in the future. This process resembles the early epoch of the formation of our solar system.
Using spectroscopy, scientists recorded traces of silicon oxide (SiO) in gaseous form, which begins to turn into a crystalline substance. These are the minerals, rich in SiO, are considered the basic "bricks" for the creation of planetesimals — the embryos of future planets.
Unique observations with ALMA and JWST
- First discovered by the JWST telescope spectral signals of solid minerals, and ALMA allows determine their exact location in the protoplanetary disk.
- Gaseous CO was detected as wind in the form of a butterfly, that is emitted from the star, but SiO is observed as a narrow stream, directed in opposite directions.
- The study showed, that condensation occurs in the same area, what and asteroid belt in the solar system, making HOPS-315 an excellent analog for studying the formation history of our cosmic home.
Astronomical value
This discovery is the first confirmation of that, that the process of formation of solid minerals and the initial embryos of planets can be observed in real time. Until now, astronomers have seen already formed young giant planets or mature disks, but never the very moment of nucleation of solid materials in the disc.
As one of the co-authors notes, Edwin Bergin of the University of Michigan, this is the first case, when we see, as planets begin to form outside the solar system.
Global cooperation
Scientists from the Netherlands took part in the study, USA, France, Sweden, Taiwan and Chile. ALMA, located in the Atacama Desert (Chile), is an international project, in which the European Southern Observatory participates (THAT), US National Science Foundation, Japanese institutes of natural sciences, as well as partners from Canada, Taiwan and South Korea.
Source: https://lakeconews.com