Astronomers at the University of Michigan have found what are believed to be some of the youngest solar systems yet detected.The systems are around the young stars UX Tau A and LkCa 15, located in the Taurus star formation region just 450 light years away. Using a telescope that measures levels of infrared radiation, the researchers noticed gaps in the protoplanetary disks of gas and dust surrounding these stars. They say those gaps are most likely caused by infant planets sweeping those areas clear of debris.
A paper on the findings by astronomy doctoral student Catherine Espaillat, professor Nuria Calvet, and their colleagues is published in the Dec. 1 issue of Astrophysical Journal Letters.
1 comment:
nice! you know, that is something I would like to see....though in truth there would be little to "see" I suspect looking to Saturn's moon system I suspect we get a glimpse as to what early planetary systems looked like.
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