Astronomers have successfully captured direct images of the 4.9 Jupiter Mass Protoplanet using ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) sphere instruments, revealing clear gaps in the multi-ring protoplanetary disk. The star Whispit 2 (TYC 5709-354-1) is a solar analog, approximately 5 million years old, located 133 parsecs (434 light-years) away in the constellation Aquila.
This image taken with the ESO’s Very Large Telescope captures the first clear observation of a protoplanet within a disk featuring multiple rings. Image credit: ESO/Van Capelleveen et al.
A protoplanetary disk is typically accompanied by a ring and is a disc-shaped structure of gas and dust surrounding a young star.
These disks are the birthplaces of planets, with rings often suggesting the presence of hungry planets within the disk.
Initially, particles within the spinning disk begin to accumulate, drawing in more material from the surrounding disk until gravitational forces take hold, leading to the formation of an embryonic planet.
“Discovering Wispit 2B was an extraordinary experience. We were incredibly fortunate,” stated Dr. Richelle Van Capelleveen, an astronomer at the Leiden Observatory.
“Wispit 2, a younger version of our Sun, belongs to a small group of young stars, and we didn’t anticipate uncovering such an impressive system.”
“This system will serve as a benchmark for many years to come.”
“We’ve encountered many instances in our research,” remarked Christian Ginsky, a researcher at Galway University.
“However, in this case, we detected a remarkably unexpected and beautiful multi-ring dust disk.”
“Upon first encountering this multi-ring disk, I realized I had to attempt to detect the planets within it, immediately requesting follow-up observations.”
Astronomer captured a stunning transparent image of Whispit 2B situated in the gap of the disk, confirming that the planet orbits its host star.
“Wispit 2B marks the first clear detection of a planet on a multi-ring disk, providing an ideal setting for studying the interactions of planetary disks and their evolution,” they noted.
The Wispit 2B was observed in near-infrared light, retaining its brightness and heat from the initial formation phase.
The same is true for planets detected in visible light using the 6.5m Magellan Telescope MAGAO-X AO system and the large binocular interferometer (LBTI) Lmircam instrument.
This detection at specific wavelengths indicates that the planet is actively gathering gas as it develops its atmosphere.
“Located within the birth disk, Wispit 2B exemplifies a planet that can be utilized to explore current models of planet formation,” stated PhD student Chloe Lawler from Galway University.
The researchers estimated the radius of the disk surrounding Wispit 2B to be 380 AU (astronomical units) or about 380 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun.
“The discovery of Wispit 2B is remarkable,” commented Jake Byrne, a student pursuing an M.Sc. at Galway University.
The findings are detailed in two papers published in the Astrophysics Journal Letter.
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Richelle F. Van Capelvein et al. 2025. Wide separation planet (Wispit): A gap clear planet Wispit 2 of a multi-ring disc around a young solar-shaped star. apjl 990, L8; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ADF721
Laird M. Crows et al. 2025. Wide Separate Planet (Wispit): Discovery of GAPHα Protoplanet Wispit 2B Magao-X. apjl 990, L9; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf7a5
Source: www.sci.news
