NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured stunning images of a young star system, revealing surprising violence in its birth. The observation is shedding new light on the complex process of star and planet formation.
The JWST has been studying Herbig-Haro 30 (HH30), a massive young protostar located about 1,500 light-years from Earth. By examining its features in multiple wavelengths of light, scientists have gained valuable insights into the early stages of planetary system formation.
Unlike most other star systems, HH30’s protoplanetary disk appears edge-on, with gaps forming only after one to two million years. This suggests that planets are likely forming around this young star. However, the JWST images show a more complex picture, with intense violence in the form of powerful jets and outflows.
These violent events can strip away material from the protoplanetary disk, potentially hindering planet formation. The observations provide a unique opportunity to study the dynamic processes that shape planetary systems during their early stages.
The findings from HH30 offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay between gravity, magnetic fields, and gas dynamics in young star systems. As scientists continue to study this system, they may uncover more secrets about the formation of our own solar system and potentially identify promising targets for future research.
Source: https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/jwst-violence-star-system-birth