Image of a Newly Formed Planet in a Disk Around a Star

In summary, a new planet, PDS 70b, has been discovered in a protoplanetary disk around a star, PDS 70. It was visualized as the bright object at about 4 o'clock, with the star being blocked out. The discovery was made by the "Keppler" telescope and has been featured in a Science magazine news article. According to the article, the planet is estimated to be several times more massive than Jupiter and has a cloudy atmosphere with temperatures reaching around 1000°C, despite its distance from the star being similar to that of Uranus from the sun.
  • #1
BillTre
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2,486
9,719
A new planet has been visualized in a protoplanetary disk around a star.

It's the bright thing at about 4 o'clock. Star (PDS 70) is blocked out.
eso1821a-1280x720_0.jpg


Science magazine news article here.
 

Attachments

  • eso1821a-1280x720_0.jpg
    eso1821a-1280x720_0.jpg
    12.9 KB · Views: 796
  • Like
Likes phinds, stefan r, rootone and 1 other person
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Heh. It was discovered by "Keppler".
 
  • Like
Likes krater
  • #3
Amazing, thanks for the pic!

But why is the planet bright? Is it on its way to becoming some sort of dwarf star and perhaps not a planet as such?IH
 
  • #4
Islam Hassan said:
But why is the planet bright? Is it on its way to becoming some sort of dwarf star and perhaps not a planet as such?

According to the article:
In another paper published today in Astronomy & Astrophysics, a separate group led by Müller estimated the size, mass, temperature, and orbit of the planet by plugging all the information into various orbital and atmospheric models. The group predicts that PDS 70b is several times more massive than Jupiter, with a cloudy atmosphere that hits temperatures of around 1000°C, despite orbiting its star at roughly the same distance as Uranus from the sun.
 

1. What is a "Newly Formed Planet in a Disk Around a Star"?

A newly formed planet in a disk around a star refers to a planet that has recently formed in the protoplanetary disk - a disk of gas and dust that surrounds a young star. This is a crucial stage in the formation of a planetary system.

2. How are these images captured?

These images are captured using various methods such as direct imaging, where the planet is directly observed through telescopes, and indirect methods such as analyzing the light emitted by the star and detecting any changes or disturbances caused by the presence of a planet.

3. What can these images tell us about the formation of planets?

These images can provide valuable insights into the early stages of planet formation, such as the size, composition, and location of the newly formed planet. They can also help us understand the processes involved in the formation of planetary systems.

4. Why is it important to study these images?

Studying these images can help us gain a better understanding of the formation and evolution of planets, as well as the conditions and environments necessary for the development of life. This can also help us in our search for habitable planets outside of our solar system.

5. What challenges are involved in capturing these images?

Capturing images of newly formed planets in a disk around a star can be challenging due to the close proximity of the planet to the star, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two. The brightness of the star can also make it challenging to capture clear images of the planet. Additionally, the technological limitations of current telescopes can also pose challenges in capturing these images.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
884
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top