A team of international astronomers has witnessed the birth of a new solar system for the first time, using data from the ALMA telescope in Chile and the James Webb Space Telescope. The team observed hot minerals solidifying – the first specks of planet-forming material – around a young star called HOPS-315.
Located 1,300 light-years away, this protostar is positioned to allow direct viewing of its inner gaseous disk. However, jets of gas emitted by protostars often block the view. The researchers overcame this challenge using infrared and millimeter wavelengths from ground-and space-based telescopes.
The James Webb Space Telescope detected crystalline silicate materials, a “telltale sign” of early planet formation. These findings suggest that solid material began to condense in the disc surrounding HOPS-315 around 1,300 years after the star’s formation. The discovery provides insights into the past conditions of our solar system.
This marks the first time a planetary system has been identified at such an early stage. The team believes this system is similar to the one that formed our own solar system around 4.6 billion years ago.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/astronomers-witness-dawn-new-solar-system-1st-time/story?id=123832751