Researchers have discovered TIDYE-1, a young planet only three million years old, rapidly orbiting its star * An intact outer disk and unique orbit reveal the star and its planet thanks to an unobstructed view, a discovery possible only at this special angle
Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill made a breakthrough discovery: a planet called TIDYE-1b, whose age is estimated to be only three million years old. In comparison, it's like finding a two-week-old baby. This amazing planet challenges the existing theories about the speed of the formation of planets. Earth's evolution took 10-20 million years, while TIDYE-1 was formed in only three million years and completes a circle around its star every week.
An unprecedented look at the earliest stages of planet formation
The discovery offers an unprecedented look at the earliest stages of planet formation, and sets a new benchmark for identifying and studying young planets. It is also a significant step in understanding the evolution of planetary systems beyond our system.
"Astronomy helps us explore our place in the universe – where we came from and where we might be going. Discovering planets like this allows us to look back in time, and glimpse the formation of a planet as it happens," said Madison Barber, lead author of the paper.
Research through the formation of planets
The team of researchers intended to study how planets form and evolve, focusing on identifying planets at different stages to better understand these processes. TIDYE-1, the youngest known transiting planet, opens a unique window into the environment of an evolving planetary system. This discovery sheds light on potential differences between our solar system and systems that host giant planets close (to their star) like TIDYE-1, and gives a broader context to our cosmic neighborhood.
This discovery opens up new avenues of research, because this planet, which is still in the material disk of its birth, allows scientists to study the formation process closely. Follow-up studies will analyze the planet's atmosphere compared to the material of the surrounding disk, and uncover clues about its journey into its tight orbit. They will also test whether TIDYE-1 is still growing by accreting matter or perhaps it is losing its upper atmosphere due to the influence of its host star.
"Planets are usually formed from a flat disc of dust and gas, so the planets in our solar system are aligned in a 'flat as a pancake' arrangement. But here the disc is tilted - not aligned with the planet nor its star - a surprising plot twist that challenges our current understanding of how Planets are forming," said Andrew Mann of the University of North Carolina.
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