Three iron rings in a planet-forming disk
<p><strong>A research team, including astronomers of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), detected a three-ringed structure in the nursery of planets in the inner planet-forming disk of a young star. This configuration suggests two Jupiter-mass planets are forming in the gaps between the rings. The detailed analysis is consistent with abundant solid iron grains complementing the dust composition. As a result, the disk likely harbours metals and minerals akin to those in the Solar System’s terrestrial planets. It offers a glimpse into conditions resembling the ea...
Source: eurekalert.org