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Ancient Water Discovered in Star-Forming Disk

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The ALMA telescope detected doubly deuterated water (D2O) in the planet-forming disk around the young star V883 Orionis, a first in this context.
The finding implies some Solar System water predates the Sun and formed in ancient interstellar clouds.
The D2O signal suggests this water endured billions of years before planets formed.
Margot Leemker, the lead researcher, says the result shows water in planetary systems has deep historical roots.

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Story summary

The ALMA telescope detected doubly deuterated water (D2O) in the planet-forming disk around the young star V883 Orionis, a first in this context.
The finding implies some Solar System water predates the Sun and formed in ancient interstellar clouds.
The D2O signal suggests this water endured billions of years before planets formed.
Margot Leemker, the lead researcher, says the result shows water in planetary systems has deep historical roots.