Galway scientists find planet forming site in Chile

Astronomers, led by the University of Galway, have identified a probable site where a new gas giant planet is forming. This discovery was made using the Very Large Telescope in Chile. The team observed a young star system, 2MASS1612, revealing a structured disc with rings and spiral arms, indicative of a planet's formation. The disc extends 130 astronomical units from the star, with a gap suggesting a planet's presence. The researchers, including postgraduate students, plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope to potentially image the planet directly. This could provide valuable insights into planet formation and the evolution of our own solar system.