Scientists Discover Bizarre Formation of Massive Exoplanet 'AB Aurigae b'

Astronomers recently discovered the existence of a gas giant exoplanet in a distant part of the universe. Located approximately 531 lightyears away from the sun, this massive object could help us obtain more details that would explain how planetary bodies form.

Protoplanet AB Aurigae b's Unusual Formation

The protoplanet, called the AB Aurigae b, is currently in its forming phase. It was initially spotted in a location far from its parent star. In a new study, experts found that the large exoplanet was building itself in an approach that is not usually compared to other formations we have observed before.

Data gathered by the experts show that the massive planet is completing its body through a gravitational collapse, particularly with objects such as gas clouds. This is contrary to the accepted pattern of planetary formation, in which an emerging body utilizes a bottom-up approach, gradually accumulating solid materials such as dust and rocks.

Through AB Aurigae b's unique formation, theories about various types of planetary origins are more likely plausible than ever. This also means that many planets, even Earth's neighbors in our solar system, might have been formed through diverse patterns distinctive to each other.

AB Aurigae was already discussed in many astrophysical studies in the past decades. The stellar body is very young compared to other known stars. According to a report by Science Alert, the star's age is far from being mature, as it is still undergoing completion.

The estimated age of AB Aurigae is 5 million years, significantly younger than our sun, which is clocking at 4.6 billion years.

A forming star, also called a protostar, is commonly surrounded by gas and dust that violently spins near its vicinity. These little materials are also responsible for feeding the star to gain its mass. The location of AB Aurigae allows us to have a clearer view of the particular steps under protostar formation and the planetary system that emerges alongside the star.

The disk left by a protostar eventually begins to form orbs that we call planets. Other fragments from the disk also include space rocks, moons, and even dwarf planets. Unknown to many, these smaller objects could also form additional planetary bodies through a model called core accretion.

Core Accretion vs. Disk Instability

In the core accretion model, protoplanetary materials such as gas and dust bind together through electrostatic forces and gravity. When a mass is achieved, the orb will be formed from the bottom up. This process gives a planet a solid core, usually with a dim appearance and with a cooler temperature.

In the disk instability model, on the other hand, protoplanetary disk materials cool off and brake the gravitation stabilities. A gas giant then consumes most parts of the disk. Unlike core accretion, the disk instability model forms a planet with higher temperatures and a brighter appearance without a solid core.

Scholars led the latest study from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and experts behind the Hubble Space Telescope and the Subaru Telescope.

The study was published in the journal Nature Astronomy, titled "Images of embedded Jovian planet formation at a wide separation around AB Aurigae."

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