December 11, 2024 – In a groundbreaking achievement, Indian astronomers from the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Odisha, have unveiled new insights into planetary formation within the unique tri-star system, GG Tau A, located 489 light-years from Earth.
Using the advanced Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) radio telescope in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the team, led by scientist Liton Majumdar, has detected molecular emissions within the protoplanetary disk a giant rotating disk of gas and dust. These emissions, originating from the coldest and densest regions of the system, serve as fundamental building blocks for planet formation.
GG Tau A, an infant solar system approximately 5 million years old, features three stars orbiting one another, surrounded by a massive protoplanetary disk. The gravitational forces exerted by the tri-star system significantly alter the disk’s structure, offering scientists a rare opportunity to study planetary formation in such a complex environment.
Molecular Emissions in Extreme Conditions: The team identified emissions from the protoplanetary disk in regions with temperatures as low as 16 Kelvin (-257.15°C), well below the freezing point of carbon monoxide (CO).
Role of Carbon Monoxide: CO, a vital tracer for measuring gas mass, plays a crucial role in understanding chemical compositions in these early planetary nurseries. Its interactions with other gases, such as methane (CH₄), shed light on the dynamics of planet-building materials.
Challenges of Tri-Star Systems: While single and binary star systems have been extensively studied, tri-star systems like GG Tau A present unique challenges. The gravitational interplay of three stars complicates traditional models of planetary formation, providing opportunities to refine existing astrophysical theories.
Situated at an altitude of 5,064 meters in the Atacama Desert, the APEX telescope offers unparalleled clarity for studying submillimeter wavelengths. Operated by European research institutes, including the European Southern Observatory, the facility allows scientists to explore the coldest and most distant regions of space.
This discovery contributes significantly to the understanding of planetary formation under extreme gravitational and environmental conditions. It also highlights the growing role of Indian astronomers in international space research.
As Liton Majumdar and his team continue their study of GG Tau A, their findings promise to refine our understanding of how planets form in diverse cosmic settings, bringing us closer to unlocking the secrets of our universe.