PDS 70 Planet Formation Update

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Located roughly 400 light-years away, PDS 70 is a youthful stellar system—only about 5.4 million years old—centered on a K-type star. Astronomers have directly observed at least two developing gas giants, PDS 70b and PDS 70c, embedded within a dense circumstellar disk of dust and gas. Because these planets are still accreting material, the system offers a rare snapshot of planetary growth in progress.

Often described as an emerging analogue to a newborn solar system, PDS 70 provides valuable insight into how giant planets form and interact with their natal disks. Observations show the surrounding material actively feeding the planets, helping researchers study the early stages of planetary assembly and system evolution.

Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/Benisty et al.

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