The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured its first image of a protoplanetary disk, offering a deeper look into the stellar nurseries that give birth to new stars and planets. The University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory researchers used the telescope to study the process by which clouds of gas coalesce into dense pockets, eventually forming stars capable of nuclear fusion. The remaining material forms a swirling protoplanetary disk, where tiny fragments gain mass to become pebbles, planetesimals, and eventually, planets.
The JWST, with its larger mirror and infrared operating instruments, can peer through the envelope of gas that obscures the happenings in young solar systems. The team tested Webb’s protoplanetary skills by pointing it at several well-studied protostars, including HL Tauri. Previous observations have identified gaps in the disk that could indicate protoplanets sweeping dust out of the way. However, the observatory was not able to spot the suspected exoplanets.
Despite this, the team was reportedly impressed by the level of detail in Webb’s images. They were surprised to see details of the proto-stellar envelope, a complex current of dust and gas surrounding the star itself. While Webb may not be able to spot still-forming protoplanets, it can see distant worlds after solar systems have settled down, providing valuable insights into the formation of new stars and planets.
read more > www.extremetech.com