Images revealing the birth of a new planet orbiting star HD 135344B have been captured by astronomers, showing it beginning to shape spirals of dust and gas. The planet, likely twice the size of Jupiter and similar in distance to Neptune from the Sun, is forming from a protoplanetary disc. This marks the first observation of such a planetary formation process in real time. New technology from the Very Large Telescope identified a 'planet candidate' within the dust patterns, suggesting its location matches expected disturbances caused by a forming planet.
Astronomers have captured stunning images showcasing the birth of a planet orbiting the star HD 135344B, located 440 light-years from Earth, likely twice Jupiter's size.
The planet begins to sculpt spirals of dust and gas around its star, producing intricate patterns as it forms, which has never been observed in real time before.
Lead author Francesco Maio stated, 'We will never witness the formation of Earth, but here, around a young star 440 light-years away, we may be watching a planet come into existence in real time.'
The use of enhanced technology from the Very Large Telescope confirmed a 'planet candidate,' believed to be located at the base of a disc's spiral arm.
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