New Link Found Between Water and Planet Formation | ESO

New Link Found Between Water and Planet Formation | ESO

Researchers have found water vapor in the disc around a young star exactly where planets may be forming. Water is a key ingredient for life on Earth, and is also thought to play a significant role in planet formation. Yet, until now, we had never been able to map how water is distributed in a stable, cool disc—the type of disc that offers the most favorable conditions for planets to form around stars. The new findings were made possible thanks to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in which the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is a partner. This video summarizes the discovery. 

Video Credits: European Southern Observatory (ESO)

Directed by: Angelos Tsaousis and Martin Wallner.

Editing: Angelos Tsaousis and Luis Calçada.

Web and technical support: Gurvan Bazin and Raquel Yumi Shida

Written by: Pamela Freeman and Tom Howarth.

Footage and photos: ESO/L. Calçada, ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/S. Facchini et al., A. Tsaousis, C. Malin (christophmalin.com), B. Tafreshi, General Dynamics C4 Systems.  

Scientific consultant: Paola Amico, Mariya Lyubenova.

Duration: 1 minute, 29 seconds

Release Date: Feb. 29, 2024

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