Produced by: Manoj Kumar
A unique tri-star solar system, GG Tau A, located 489 light years away, offers fresh insights into planetary formation, observed by Indian astronomers.
The protoplanetary disk in GG Tau A, made of gas and dust, is reshaped by the gravity of three suns, forming the foundation for new planets.
Molecular emissions were detected in the coldest region of the system, at temperatures as low as -257.15°C, vital for understanding planetary building blocks.
The team traced carbon monoxide, a key marker in gas mass and planetary formation, which reacts with other gases to create compounds like methane.
The cold, dense regions studied revealed the complex interplay of gravity, pressure, and temperature in forming planets in multi-star systems.
Led by Liton Majumdar of NISER and NASA, the discovery sheds light on the astrochemical processes in tri-star systems.
The Atacama Pathfinder Experiment in Chile, located 5,064 meters above sea level, enabled these groundbreaking observations with its cutting-edge technology.
The tri-star system’s gravitational forces challenge existing planetary models, offering a new lens to study celestial mechanics.
The findings help decode how planetary systems evolve under extreme conditions, advancing knowledge of cosmic evolution.