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First-Ever Direct Observation of Planet Forming 440 Light-Years Away

7/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, spotting a potential planet forming around the young star HD 135344B, a staggering 440 light-years away. Utilizing the Very Large Telescope's Enhanced Resolution Imager, they identified a candidate planet, twice the size of Jupiter, creating mesmerizing spiral patterns in its protoplanetary disk. This is the first time a planet in formation has been directly observed!

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Story summary

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, spotting a potential planet forming around the young star HD 135344B, a staggering 440 light-years away. Utilizing the Very Large Telescope's Enhanced Resolution Imager, they identified a candidate planet, twice the size of Jupiter, creating mesmerizing spiral patterns in its protoplanetary disk. This is the first time a planet in formation has been directly observed!