Latest news with #VLT
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
What are these strange swirls around an infant star? 'We may be watching a planet come into existence in real time'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Astronomers have seen what appears to be a forming planet carving out a complex pattern in a disk of gas and dust around a young star. The discovery of this spiral architect could help us better understand how planetary systems like the solar system came to be. The infant extrasolar planet, or "exoplanet," is creating a spiral arm pattern in the planet-forming protoplanetary disk of the 10 million-year-old star HD 135344B, also known as SAO 206462, located in the Scorpius OB2-3 star-forming region. If 10 million years old doesn't seem particularly young, remember the sun is considered middle-aged — and its around 4.6 billion years old. The discovery of the potential planetary culprit for this swirling spiral pattern was made using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and its Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph ERIS) instrument. It may represent the first time astronomers have witnessed a planet actively forming within a protoplanetary disk. "We will never witness the formation of Earth, but here, around a young star 440 light-years away, we may be watching a planet come into existence in real time," Francesco Maio, study team leader and a researcher at the University of Florence, said in a statement. Maio and colleagues estimate this budding planet is around twice as large as Jupiter. It orbits HD 135344B at a similar distance to Neptune's orbit around the sun. That's about 30 times the distance between Earth and the sun. And as this potential planet seems to carve channels into the protoplanetary disk of HD 135344B, it is gathering material to further facilitate its growth. Baby exoplanet sweeps up stellar leftovers Stars form from overly dense cool patches in vast clouds of interstellar gas and dust, which collapse under their own gravity. As these stars continue to grow, swirling clouds of gas and dust called protoplanetary disks settle around them. It is within this disk that planets will be born. Astronomers predict that when this happens, these infant worlds sweep up material to build their own masses, creating intricate structures like rings and channels similar to the grooves in a record, and spirals resembling the spiral arms of the Milky Way. However, catching these exoplanet sculptors has been challenging. Exemplifying this is the fact that astronomers had previously detected the spiral structure of HD 135344B's protoplanetary disk, using the VLT Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet Research (SPHERE) instrument — but had missed evidence of a planet causing it. However, ERIS allowed the VLT and its operators to dive deeper into this protoplanetary disk, revealing a prime suspect for its shape: a hidden exoplanet sculptor. This potential baby planet lurks at the base of one of the disk's spiral arms. That is exactly where scientists have predicted such a spiral-sculpting infant planet should dwell. Related Stories: — New kind of pulsar may explain how mysterious 'black widow' systems evolve — Hear 'black widow' pulsar's song as it destroys companion —NASA X-ray spacecraft reveals secrets of a powerful, spinning neutron star "What makes this detection potentially a turning point is that, unlike many previous observations, we are able to directly detect the signal of the protoplanet, which is still highly embedded in the disk,' Maio explained. "This gives us a much higher level of confidence in the planet's existence, as we're observing the planet's own light." The team's research was published on Monday (July 21) in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Astronomers capture images of the birth of a distant planet
Astronomers have captured incredible images of the birth of a distant planet. The planet orbits the star HD 135344B, which is located around 440 light–years from Earth. The stunning snaps show the planet beginning to sculpt spirals of dust and gas around its home star. The scientists who made the discovery say that the planet is likely twice the size of Jupiter and is as far from its star as Neptune is from the Sun. Planets are formed from spinning halos of hot material known as protoplanetary discs , which form around very young stars. As planets start to form, they 'sweep' their orbits to produce intricate patterns of rings, gaps, and spirals in the dust. Although astronomers have spotted these patterns in the past, this is the first time anyone has caught one of these planetary sculptures in the act. Lead author Francesco Maio, a doctoral researcher at the University of Florence, says: 'We will never witness the formation of Earth, but here, around a young star 440 light–years away, we may be watching a planet come into existence in real time.' The European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT) first spotted the spiral patterns around HD 135344B back in 2016. However, the equipment used in those early studies wasn't sensitive enough to confirm whether there was a protoplanet – the first stage of planetary formation – within the rings. In a new study, published today in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, researchers have used the VLT's new Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph (ERIS) to pinpoint the planet's likely location. Mr Maio and his co–authors spotted a 'planet candidate' – something strongly believed to be a planet – right at the base of one of the disc's spiral arms. If these spirals were caused by a planet disturbing the ring of dust, that is exactly where astronomers would expect the planet to be. What makes these observations so special is that the astronomers were actually able to capture light coming directly from the planet itself. This is a significant piece of evidence in favour of the theory that gaps and rings in protoplanetary disks around other stars are hiding protoplanets of their own. Mr Maio says: 'What makes this detection potentially a turning point is that, unlike many previous observations, we are able to directly detect the signal of the protoplanet, which is still highly embedded in the disc. These observations could also help shed light on how the planets in our own solar system formed over four billion years ago. At the same time, a second group of researchers have used ERIS to spot another potential planet forming around another young, distant star. V960 Mon sits roughly 5,000 light years from Earth and is believed to be extremely young. When astronomers first found captured images of it in 2023, they found that the star was spitting out arms of gas and dust wider than our entire Milky Way. In this new study, astronomers found that the spiral arms are 'fragmenting' in a way that suggests a process known as 'gravitational instability' is at play. Planets normally form like snowballs rolling down a hill, as matter collides and clumps together into ever bigger lumps – this is known as core accretion. But sometimes, when the gas and dust are cooler and further from the host star, matter will slowly pull itself together under gravity and form clumps that collapse into the core of a planet. Scientists believe this is how gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn typically form. If this is what has caused the fragmentation around V960 Mons, it would be the first time that anyone has ever seen a planet forming via gravitational instability. However, astronomers now say that something even stranger could be lurking around V960 Mons. The researchers believe that the object could be a 'brown dwarf', an object bigger than a planet that didn't gain enough mass to shine as a star. These giant planets can be between 13 and 80 times the size of Jupiter and typically orbit far out from their companion stars. Likewise, no one has yet captured the exact moment that one of these mysterious objects comes into existence.
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Mystery space rock blazing through solar system ‘may be oldest comet ever seen' – and there's a chance you can spot it
SPACE INVADER Mystery space rock blazing through solar system 'may be oldest comet ever seen' – and there's a chance you can spot it AN INTERSTELLAR space rock zooming through our solar system may be the oldest comet ever seen by humans, according to researchers. The mysterious cosmic object was discovered last week, and is believed to have travelled from interstellar space. 6 ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) has obtained new images of the comet and its path, shown as a dotted line Credit: ESO/O. Hainaut 6 An artist's impression of an interstellar comet Credit: ESA 6 The interstellar comet is seen inside the red box Credit: David Rankin / Saguaro Observatory Now researchers say the comet could be older than our solar system by more than three billion years. That would make the rock a whopping 7.6billion years old, University of Oxford astronomer Matthew Hopkins told the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Durham. The ancient hunk of debris, named 3I/ATLAS, is covered in water-based ice - which has given it a "fuzzy" appearance through telescopes. The celestial visitor is only the third interstellar object on record to grace our solar system, and is also likely the largest yet detected. It follows the rare visits from the famous 1I/ʻOumuamua asteroid in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Unlike the previous two interstellar objects to enter our solar system, 3I/ATLAS appears to be travelling on a steep path through the galaxy. Its current trajectory suggests it originated from the Milky Way's 'thick disk' – a field of ancient stars. No comet from that region has ever graced Earth with a flyby, according to astronomers. 6 The comet was first spotted on 1 July by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile Credit: ESA "All non-interstellar comets such as Halley's comet formed with our solar system, so are up to 4.5billion years old," said Hopkins. "But interstellar visitors have the potential to be far older, and of those known about so far our statistical method suggests that 3I/ATLAS is very likely to be the oldest comet we have ever seen." Incredible moment a fireball comet is spotted racing past stunning aurora towards Earth The comet was first spotted on 1 July by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile. But ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) has obtained new images of the comet and its path, shown as a dotted line. Professor Chris Lintott, co-author of the study and presenter of the BBC's The Sky at Night, added: "This is an object from a part of the galaxy we've never seen up close before. "We think there's a two-thirds chance this comet is older than the solar system, and that it's been drifting through interstellar space ever since." What's the difference between an asteroid, meteor and comet? Here's what you need to know, according to Nasa... Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth) An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth) Meteoroid: When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids Meteor: If a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it'll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up If a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it'll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up Meteorite: If a meteoroid doesn't vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth's atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite If a meteoroid doesn't vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth's atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite Comet: Like asteroids, a comet orbits the Sun. However rather than being made mostly of rock, a comet contains lots of ice and gas, which can result in amazing tails forming behind them (thanks to the ice and dust vaporizing) The lonesome space rock, believed to be leftover material of the early solar system, has been on quite the journey over its lifetime. As it approaches our Sun, the rock will heat up and release gas and dust from the heart of the comet. It's this that gives comet's their fuzzy glow and tail. Peter Veres, an astronomer with the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Centre, said last week: "It looks kind of fuzzy... It seems that there is some gas around it, and I think one or two telescopes reported a very short tail." 6 Comet A11pl3Z's path through the solar system Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech While astronomers are still refining their calculations, the object appears to be zooming more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) a second. The comet poses no threat to Earth, said Richard Moissl, head of planetary defense at the European Space Agency (ESA). It's closest approach of Earth, which is projected to occur in late October, will see it pass "just inside the orbit of Mars," according to Moissl. It will pass our blue dot no closer than 240 million kilometres – over 1.5 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. While it will be quite far away, it might still be a once in a lifetime spot for stargazers. Researchers reckon 3I/ATLAS should be visible through a reasonably-sized amateur telescope sometime in late 2025 and early 2026. An exact date - or days - will be announced closer to the time. 6 An artist's impression of 'Oumuamua, the first known interstellar visitor in our solar system Credit: Nasa All you need to know about planets in our solar system Our solar system is made up of nine planets with Earth the third closest to the Sun. But each planet has its own quirks, so find out more about them all... How old is Earth? Plus other facts on our planet How many moons does Mercury have? What colour is Venus? How far away is Mars to Earth? And other facts on the red planet How big is Jupiter? How many moons does Saturn have? Does Uranus have rings? How many moons does Neptune have? How big is Pluto? How hot is the Sun?
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Mystery space rock blazing through solar system ‘may be oldest comet ever seen' – and there's a chance you can spot it
AN INTERSTELLAR space rock zooming through our solar system may be the oldest comet ever seen by humans, according to researchers. The mysterious cosmic object was discovered last week, and is believed to have travelled from interstellar space. Advertisement 6 ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) has obtained new images of the comet and its path, shown as a dotted line Credit: ESO/O. Hainaut 6 An artist's impression of an interstellar comet Credit: ESA 6 The interstellar comet is seen inside the red box Credit: David Rankin / Saguaro Observatory Now researchers say the comet could be older than our solar system by more than three billion years. That would make the rock a whopping 7.6billion years old, University of Oxford astronomer Matthew Hopkins told the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Durham. The ancient hunk of debris, named 3I/ATLAS, is covered in water-based ice - which has given it The celestial visitor is only the third interstellar object on record to grace our solar system, and is also likely the largest yet detected. Advertisement READ MORE ON SPACE It follows the rare visits from the famous 1I/ʻOumuamua asteroid in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. Unlike the previous two interstellar objects to enter our solar system, 3I/ATLAS appears to be travelling on a steep path through the galaxy. Its current trajectory suggests it originated from the Milky Way's 'thick disk' – a field of ancient stars. No comet from that region has ever graced Earth with a flyby, according to astronomers. Advertisement Most read in Tech Exclusive 6 The comet was first spotted on 1 July by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile Credit: ESA "All non-interstellar comets such as Halley's comet formed with our solar system, so are up to 4.5billion years old," said Hopkins. "But interstellar visitors have the potential to be far older, and of those known about so far our statistical method suggests that 3I/ATLAS is very likely to be the oldest comet we have ever seen." Incredible moment a fireball comet is spotted racing past stunning aurora towards Earth The comet was first spotted on 1 July by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile. Advertisement But ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) has obtained new images of the comet and its path, shown as a dotted line. Professor Chris Lintott, co-author of the study and presenter of the BBC's The Sky at Night, added: "This is an object from a part of the galaxy we've never seen up close before. "We think there's a two-thirds chance this comet is older than the solar system, and that it's been drifting through interstellar space ever since." What's the difference between an asteroid, meteor and comet? Here's what you need to know, according to Nasa... Asteroid: An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun. Most are found in the asteroid belt (between Mars and Jupiter) but they can be found anywhere (including in a path that can impact Earth) Meteoroid: When two asteroids hit each other, the small chunks that break off are called meteoroids Meteor: If a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, it begins to vapourise and then becomes a meteor. On Earth, it'll look like a streak of light in the sky, because the rock is burning up Meteorite: If a meteoroid doesn't vapourise completely and survives the trip through Earth's atmosphere, it can land on the Earth. At that point, it becomes a meteorite Comet: Like asteroids, a comet orbits the Sun. However rather than being made mostly of rock, a comet contains lots of ice and gas, which can result in amazing tails forming behind them (thanks to the ice and dust vaporizing) The lonesome space rock, believed to be leftover material of the early solar system, has been on quite the journey over its lifetime. Advertisement As it approaches our Sun, the rock will heat up and release gas and dust from the heart of the comet. It's this that gives comet's their fuzzy glow and tail. Peter Veres, an astronomer with the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Centre, said last week: "It looks kind of fuzzy... It seems that there is some gas around it, and I think one or two telescopes reported a very short tail." 6 Comet A11pl3Z's path through the solar system Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Advertisement While astronomers are still refining their calculations, the object appears to be zooming more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) a second. The comet poses no threat to Earth, said Richard Moissl, head of planetary defense at the European Space Agency (ESA). It's closest approach of Earth, which is projected to occur in late October, will see it pass "just inside the orbit of Mars," according to Moissl. It will pass our blue dot no closer than 240 million kilometres – over 1.5 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. Advertisement While it will be quite far away, it might still be a once in a lifetime spot for stargazers. Researchers reckon 3I/ATLAS should be visible through a reasonably-sized amateur telescope sometime in late 2025 and early 2026. An exact date - or days - will be announced closer to the time. 6 An artist's impression of 'Oumuamua, the first known interstellar visitor in our solar system Credit: Nasa Advertisement All you need to know about planets in our solar system Our solar system is made up of nine planets with Earth the third closest to the Sun. But each planet has its own quirks, so find out more about them all... How old is How many moons does What colour is How far away is How big is How many moons does Does How many moons does How big is How hot is the
North Wales Live
11-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Top chefs turn meal deal into Michelin-star lunch - and it still costs £3
Two of London's top chefs have reinvented the traditional supermarket sandwich meal deal to make it fit for foodies. Will Murray and Jack Croft, the duo behind Michelin Guide hotspots Fallow, FOWL and Roe, stepped up to the plate as new research revealed 65% of Brits eat lunch at their desks - and just 13% take a proper hour off. The pair have teamed up with Uber Eats to produce a selection of midday treats including Coronation lobster roll, rotisserie chicken & ssamjang bun, cheese & honion focaccia and a VLT sandwich. Each sandwich is priced at £3 and comes with a complimentary serving of luxury crisps and a soft drink. Will said: 'This isn't about reclaiming the meal deal - we think it's already a brilliant British staple. We wanted to honour it, put our own spin on it, and celebrate the art of lunch. We had a lot of fun creating these recipes, and we hope they bring a bit of joy to people who've powered through a long morning.' Jack added: 'We've always believed that flavour shouldn't be confined to fine dining. Collaborating with Uber Eats to elevate the everyday lunch has been an exciting challenge and one that reflects how we like to eat, too.' Uber Eats launches the new menu at an Uber Eats Sandwich Studio in Potters Field, London, on Tuesday, July 15. It will be open between 12.30pm and 3pm, with Uber One customers benefitting from a further price drop at £2. The meal deals will also be available via the Uber Eats app in Manchester and Liverpool on Thursday 17 July and Friday, 18 July, respectively. Proceeds from every purchase will be donated to Uber Eats partner City Harvest, a food redistribution charity which rescues nutritious surplus food from farms, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, and delivers it for free to those facing food poverty. On the menu Coronation lobster Coronation lobster, sambal jam, curry leaf mayo and crispy samphire and curry leaves with tomato crisps and sparkling lemonade Rotisserie chicken and ssamjang Grilled rotisserie chicken and cheese ciabatta, with pickled carrot slaw, ssamjang, dijon mayo and green hot sauce. Comes with chicken crisps and pineapple soda Cheese and honion Marinated feta, hot honey peppers, onion mayo and crispy shallots plus sour cream crisps and lemon and mint sparkling soda The VLT
