Researchers using the ALMA observatory have detected water vapor in the disc around a young star, in a region where planets are likely forming. This discovery is pivotal because water is vital for life and plays a crucial role in planet formation. The findings reveal a substantial amount of water, suggesting its potential impact on the chemical composition of emerging planets. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.com Astronomers have found water vapor in a disc around a young star exactly where planets may be forming. In this image, the new observations from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in which ESO is a partner, show the water vapor in shades of blue. Near the center of the disc, where the young star lives, the environment is hotter and the gas brighter. The red-hued rings are previous ALMA observations showing the distribution of dust around the star. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/S. Facchini et al. The Protoplanetary Disk of HL Tauri from ALMA. A so-called “ALMA disks” as seen in infrared light around distant stars. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), NSF This image shows the region in which HL Tauri is situated. HL Tauri is part of one of the closest star-forming regions to Earth and there are many young stars, as well as clouds of dust, in its vicinity. This picture was created from images forming part of the Digitized Sky Survey 2. Credit: ESO/Digitized Sky Survey 2 HL Tauri is a young star surrounded by a remarkable dusty disc. It is located in the famous constellation of Taurus (The Bull) shown in this image, close to the naked eye Pleiades and Hyades star clusters. This star is too faint to be seen with small telescopes. Credit: ESO, IAU and Sky & Telescope
SciTechDaily
246 ngày
