Astronomers witness the birth of a new solar system
This image was generated by AI and may not depict real events.
Astronomers have discovered a baby solar system forming around a star 437 light-years from Earth, providing insights into the formation of our own solar system. The star, called WISPIT 2, is surrounded by a protoplanetary disk with two gas giant planets and potentially more forming.
Astronomers have found a new solar system forming around a star in the Atacama Desert. The star, WISPIT 2, is 437 light-years from Earth and has a protoplanetary disk with two gas giant planets. One planet is about ten times the size of Jupiter. The astronomers used the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope to make the discovery. They hope to find more planets in the disk using the Extremely Large Telescope. The discovery helps scientists understand how our own solar system formed. The star's disk is more extensive and structured than similar systems, suggesting more planets may be forming.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.