Astronomers have made an astonishing discovery that could shed light on the process of planet formation. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, researchers have detected an abundance of water vapor in the vicinity of a young star, where planets are believed to be forming. This breakthrough is the first of its kind, as scientists have long struggled to map the distribution of water in cool, stable discs surrounding stars.
The ALMA array, which consists of a group of telescopes in the Atacama Desert, made it possible for the scientists to accurately measure the amount of water vapor present around the target star. Dr. Anita Richards, a Senior Visiting Fellow at the University of Manchester and part of the UK ALMA Regional Centre Node (UK ARC), played a crucial role in verifying the operation of the equipment needed for this observation.
The findings, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, indicate that the inner disc of the Sun-like star HL Tauri contains at least three times more water than all the oceans on Earth combined. Led by astronomer Stefano Facchini from the University of Milan, the research team was amazed to discover such a vast amount of water vapor in close proximity to a probable planet-forming region.
Furthermore, the observations revealed the presence of significant water vapor in the vicinity of a known gap in the HL Tauri disc. These gaps are created by young planet-like bodies as they accumulate material and grow, indicating that the water vapor could impact the chemical composition of developing planets.
The ALMA array, situated in a high and dry environment at an elevation of 5000 meters, minimizes the disruptive effects of Earth’s atmospheric water vapor on the astronomical signals. This unique capability allows astronomers to map the distribution of water in cool planet-forming discs, providing invaluable insights into the processes of planet formation.
The discovery of water vapor in the region of planet formation marks a significant step forward in our understanding of how planets may develop oceans. It raises questions about the origin and abundance of water on newly formed worlds, as well as its potential role in shaping their characteristics.
With ongoing upgrades to ALMA and the impending completion of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), scientists anticipate even clearer views of planet formation and the influence of water. These advancements offer exciting prospects for further unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and our place within it.
Source: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/
FAQ:
Q1: What discovery did astronomers make using the ALMA array?
A1: Astronomers using the ALMA array have detected an abundance of water vapor in the vicinity of a young star, where planets are believed to be forming.
Q2: Why is this discovery significant?
A2: This discovery is significant because it sheds light on the process of planet formation and raises questions about the origin and abundance of water on newly formed worlds.
Q3: How did the ALMA array help in this discovery?
A3: The ALMA array consists of a group of telescopes in the Atacama Desert in Chile, which allowed scientists to accurately measure the amount of water vapor present around the target star.
Q4: What is the role of Dr. Anita Richards in this observation?
A4: Dr. Anita Richards, a Senior Visiting Fellow at the University of Manchester and part of the UK ALMA Regional Centre Node, played a crucial role in verifying the operation of the equipment needed for this observation.
Q5: What did the observations reveal about the HL Tauri disc?
A5: The observations revealed that the inner disc of the Sun-like star HL Tauri contains at least three times more water than all the oceans on Earth combined. It also showed the presence of significant water vapor in the vicinity of a known gap in the disc, indicating its potential impact on the chemical composition of developing planets.
Definitions:
– Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA): A group of telescopes located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, used to observe astronomical phenomena in millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths.
– Water vapor: Gaseous form of water present in the atmosphere or surrounding an astronomical object.
– Disc: A flattened structure often found surrounding a young star where planet formation occurs.
– Astronomical signals: Signals or data received by telescopes or other astronomical instruments from celestial objects or events.
– Extremely Large Telescope (ELT): A future ground-based telescope being constructed by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to provide even clearer views of the cosmos.
Related Links:
– ALMA Observatory
– ESO Extremely Large Telescope