On Thursday, February 29, 2024, scientists used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to find an abundance of water vapor in the inner part of a gas and dust disk surrounding a young star. This discovery could be a sign of planet formation, according to Interesting Engineering. The star in focus was HL Tauri, similar to our Sun and located 450 light-years away. The water vapor found was estimated to be three times the volume of Earth’s oceans.
Stefano Facchini, the lead author from the University of Milan, was amazed by the discovery of “oceans of water vapor in the same region where a planet is likely forming.” This finding sheds light on the conditions that support planetary development. It challenges previous theories about Earth’s water source and suggests a way for water to reach developing planets before potential asteroid impacts, influencing their chemical composition, much like Earth’s own development billions of years ago.
The gaps rich in water around HL Tauri indicate an active accumulation of material from the star, providing valuable information about the early stages of planet formation. This local water source could enhance a planet’s potential for habitability as it evolves. ALMA, located in Chile, was able to overcome challenges faced by Earth-based telescopes in mapping water distribution due to atmospheric interference, showcasing its impressive capabilities.
This discovery mirrors a similar finding around the star PDS 70, emphasizing the importance of water vapor in understanding the development of planetary systems. Published in Nature Astronomy, these findings represent a significant advancement in our knowledge of planet formation and factors that could contribute to habitability.
