WISPIT 2 is a nearby young star with a multi-ringed disk which was recently confirmed to host a ~4.9 MJup gas giant planet embedded in a large (60 au) gap at a radial separation of 57 au from the host star. We confirm and characterise a second, close-in planet in the WISPIT 2 system using a combination of new VLT/SPHERE H-band dual-polarisation imaging and VLTI/GRAVITY K-band interferometric observations of the WISPIT 2 system. The GRAVITY detection is consistent with a point-like source while its extracted K-band spectrum shows CO band-head absorption at 2.3 microns and a continuum shape consistent with a young giant planet. From the GRAVITY data we extract a medium resolution K-band spectrum of the companion and fit atmospheric model grids using the species tool with nested sampling to constrain its effective temperature, radius, and luminosity. We infer Teff of 1500-2600 K, a radius of 0.91-2.2 RJup, and a luminosity of (-3.47)-(-3.63). Comparison with evolutionary tracks implies a mass range of 8-12 MJup, approximately twice as massive as the previously confirmed WISPIT 2b. The astrometry rules out a background source and marginally detects orbital motion of WISPIT 2c, which needs further follow-up observations for confirmation. WISPIT 2 now becomes an analogue to PDS 70, offering a second laboratory for studying the formation and early evolution of a multi-planet system within its natal disk.
🪐 First direct #imaging of a forming #exoplanet carving multiple rings in its accretion disk! Van Capelleveen et al. (2025) reveal a ~5 MJup #protoplanet 57 AU (~8.5 billion km, farther than Pluto) from its star (#WISPIT2, ~133 pc) with #VLT/SPHERE, showing #Keplerian motion and Hα #accretion. A rare, striking view of planet–disk interaction in real time 💫
🌌🔭 A cosmic spectacle! ESO’s Very Large Telescope spotted a protoplanet carving stunning spiral patterns in the disc of star HD 135344B, offering a rare glimpse into planet formation. A first in real-time observation!
#GoodNews #Protoplanet #SpaceDiscovery #VeryLargeTelescope #StarFormation
https://thedebrief.org/esos-very-large-telescope-spots-newfound-protoplanet-sculpting-patterns-in-a-distant-stars-disc/
#GoetheUniversität:
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.. OSIRIS-REx .. gelang es .., etwas Material .. einzusammeln .. Analyse .. durch .. mehr als 50 ..Teams .. zeigte .. Reihe organischer Substanzen, d. d. Grundlagen f. Biomoleküle bilden. .. deuten d. Mineralien d. Probe darauf hin, dass d. Protoplanet, dessen Teil Bennu einst war, flüssiges, salziges Wasser besaß. ..
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https://www.puk.uni-frankfurt.de/165866672/Staub_vom_Asteroiden_Bennu_zeigt__Bausteine_des_Lebens_und_m%C3%B6gliche_Lebensr%C3%A4ume_waren_in_unserem_Sonnensystem_verbreitet
30.1.2025
#Asteroid #Bennu #Biomoleküle #Leben #Organik #OSIRISREx #Planetologie #Protoplanet #Raumfahrt #Raumsonde #Wasser
scinexx - das wissensmagazin
Daniel Fischer
Fabrizio Musacchio
Sébastien Maret
Good News Community
RTN