Astronomers observed a planetary system in the early stages of formation around the protostar HOPS-315, located 1,370 light years away in Orion. This marks the first time such early planet formation has been witnessed. Using the James Webb Telescope and ALMA, researchers noted that gas and dust in a protoplanetary disk are condensing to form solid mineral grains. These grains are fundamental in creating larger bodies essential for rocky planets or gas giants, resembling the conditions of the early solar system.
We've captured a direct glimpse of the hot region where rocky planets like Earth are born around young protostars. For the first time, we can conclusively say that the first steps of planet formation are happening right now.
This process has never been seen before in a protoplanetary disk - or anywhere outside our solar system.
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