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Astronomers discover giant protoplanet 430 light-years from Earth
An international team of astronomers has detected evidence of a massive protoplanet forming approximately 430 light-years from Earth. The object, located around the star J16120, is estimated to have a mass between four and five times that of Jupiter.
Using the ALMA radiotelescope, researchers identified the planet by observing unusual gas and dust movements within the stellar disk. The protoplanet is situated roughly 32 astronomical units from its host star, a distance comparable to the gap between the Sun and Neptune. While the planet has not been photographed directly, its presence is inferred from the structural alterations it causes in the surrounding material.
This discovery provides a rare opportunity to study the early stages of giant planet formation. The research involved institutions from Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, Chile, Germany, and Italy. Scientists intend to conduct further observations using the Very Large Telescope to better understand the object's temperature and mass.
Entities
Alma · J16120 · Jupiter · National Autonomous University of Mexico · Saturn · Very Large Telescope
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The planet has not been directly photographed; its existence is inferred from gas movement patterns. diariodelcauca.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The protoplanet is located approximately 32 astronomical units from its host star. diariodelcauca.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Astronomers have detected evidence of a massive planet in the process of formation. diariodelcauca.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The object's mass is estimated to be between four and five times that of Jupiter. diariodelcauca.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The ALMA radio telescope was used to detect unusual gas movements indicating the presence of the protoplanet. diariodelcauca.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The discovery may provide insights into the formation of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn in our own Solar System. diariodelcauca.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com