A team of astronomers led by Professor Paola Pinilla from University College London has recently completed an extensive survey of planet-forming discs, providing valuable new information on the complex process of planet formation. The researchers published their findings in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, presenting observations of more than 80 young stars that may harbor developing planets.
Using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile, the team captured stunning images of these planet-forming discs. These images revealed a plethora of substructures within the discs, shedding light on their formation mechanisms. Rather than relying on quotes from the researchers, the article offers a descriptive sentence summarizing their observations.
Dr. Christian Ginski from the University of Galway remarked on the significance of the study, stating, “This represents a paradigm shift in our field of study, transitioning from studying individual star systems to investigating entire star-forming regions.” The researchers focused on three regions within our galaxy—Taurus, Chamaeleon I, and Orion—studying a total of 86 stars. These regions provided ample opportunities for observing gas- and dust-rich discs surrounding the young stars, which are the birthplaces of planets.
One of the key insights gained from the study was the observation that stars with companions were less likely to possess large planet-forming discs. This finding is noteworthy since the majority of stars in our galaxy have companion stars. Additionally, the irregular appearance of the discs in the Orion region suggested the presence of massive embedded planets, potentially causing the discs to warp.
To capture images of these faint disc structures, the team utilized the Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch instrument (SPHERE) mounted on the VLT. SPHERE’s adaptive optics system corrected for the atmospheric turbulence, resulting in crisp images of the discs. The researchers also utilized the VLT’s X-shooter instrument to determine the stars’ ages and masses.
Complementary data was gathered from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which provided insights into the surrounding dust distribution. Ultimately, these mesmerizing images of planet-forming discs offer a wealth of data for scientists striving to unlock the mysteries of planetary formation.
Per-Gunnar Valegård, a doctoral student at the University of Amsterdam who led the Orion study, praised the beauty of these celestial processes, stating, “It is almost poetic that the very beginnings of the journey toward forming planets and, ultimately, life in our own Solar System should be so captivating.” As researchers continue to explore these fascinating structures, exciting discoveries await in the dynamic field of planet formation.
FAQ:
1. What did the team of astronomers led by Professor Paola Pinilla study?
– The team studied planet-forming discs around young stars.
2. What telescope did the team use to capture images of the planet-forming discs?
– The team used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile.
3. How many stars did the researchers observe during their study?
– The researchers observed a total of 86 stars in three regions within our galaxy: Taurus, Chamaeleon I, and Orion.
4. What key finding did the study reveal about stars with companions?
– The study found that stars with companions were less likely to possess large planet-forming discs.
5. Which instrument was utilized to capture images of the faint disc structures?
– The team utilized the Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet Research instrument (SPHERE) mounted on the VLT.
6. What other instrument did the researchers use to determine the stars’ ages and masses?
– The researchers also utilized the VLT’s X-shooter instrument.
7. What complementary data was gathered from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA)?
– ALMA provided insights into the surrounding dust distribution.
Definitions:
– Planet-forming discs: Structures of gas and dust that surround young stars and serve as the birthplaces of planets.
– Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet Research instrument (SPHERE): An adaptive optics system mounted on the VLT that captures images of faint celestial objects with high contrast.
– Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA): An observatory that provides data on millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths in order to study a wide range of astronomical phenomena.
Suggested Links:
– European Southern Observatory
– Astronomy & Astrophysics Journal
– Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array
The source of the article is from the blog crasel.tk