The results of observations made with the ALMA antenna array showed that the formation of exoplanets could occur even in harsh stellar environments, which were previously considered unsuitable for such processes.
An international team of astronomers used ALMA to obtain high-resolution images of eight protoplanetary disks in the Sigma Orion cluster, which is irradiated by intense ultraviolet light from a massive nearby star. They used the most extended ALMA configuration for this purpose. It allowed them to obtain images with a resolution of about 8 astronomical units.
To their surprise, the scientists found tears and rings in most of the disks. Although the exact nature of these structures is still debated, they are thought to either contribute to the formation of exoplanets or result from interactions between forming exoplanets and disk material.
“We expected the high levels of radiation in this cluster to inhibit planet formation in the outer regions of these disks,” said lead author Jane Huang. “But instead, we’re seeing signs that planets may be forming at distances of tens of astronomical units from their stars, similar to what we’ve observed in less harsh environments.”
Previous studies have focused on disks in regions with low levels of ultraviolet radiation. New ALMA observations have shown that the processes leading to the formation of exoplanets are quite reliable and can work even under challenging conditions. “These observations suggest that the processes driving planet formation are quite robust and can operate even under challenging circumstances.”
The results have implications for understanding the formation of our Solar System, which likely evolved in a similar high-radiation environment. They also prompt future studies of protoplanetary disks in even more extreme stellar neighborhoods.
The study also demonstrates ALMA’s ability to study the formation of planets in different environments in the Galaxy. As astronomers develop a more complete picture of planet formation in different environments, they are getting closer to understanding the origin of Earth and the prevalence of exoplanets in other star systems.
Earlier we covered how astronomers managed to discover one of the youngest exoplanets.
Provided by almaobservatory.org
