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Astronomers discover early planet formation

Researchers found rocky planet seeds forming around the young star HOPS-315, 1,370 light-years away.

July 16, 2025 at 03:01 PM

Cosmic first: Scientists spy the birth of planets outside solar system

Astronomers have discovered the earliest seeds of rocky planets forming around a baby sun-like star.

Astronomers discover early planet formation around young star

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Astronomers have identified the early stages of rocky planet formation in the gas surrounding a young star, HOPS-315, located approximately 1,370 light-years away. Utilizing NASA's Webb Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory in Chile, researchers investigated a gas disk surrounding the star and found solid particles forming, indicative of new planets. This discovery sheds light on how planetary systems may develop, offering insight into the origins of our solar system.

Key Takeaways

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Discovery of rocky planet formation confirms theories about planetary systems.

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Unique opportunity to observe processes similar to our own solar system.

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Findings may influence the search for life on other planets.

"We've captured a direct glimpse of the hot region where rocky planets like Earth are born around young protostars."

This quote from Melissa McClure emphasizes the significance of the moment captured by researchers.

"There’s a rich opportunity here."

Fred Ciesla highlights the potential for future discoveries based on these findings.

This groundbreaking research provides crucial evidence about how rocky planets can emerge around young stars, a process once thought to be unique to our solar system. The implications extend beyond our immediate solar neighborhood, suggesting that similar processes might be common throughout the universe. As astronomers explore the cosmos for other early systems, understanding these formations could play a key role in our search for Earth-like worlds.

Highlights

This discovery opens a window into how worlds like Earth begin to form.
For the first time, we can observe the early stages of planet creation.
The actions happening now could lead to planets similar to our own.
Are Earth-like planets forming out there too?

Potential backlash on funding for space exploration

The implications of this discovery may influence budget decisions for future space missions, raising concerns about funding allocations in an environment of competing priorities.

Understanding how planets form could change our approach to searching for life beyond Earth.

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planetary formation astronomy HOPS-315 NASA exoplanets science space

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