They discover small planets in training with an innovative technology for the Exoalma project

A New technology Experts from the University of Monash allowed the discovery of five planets in training, to the point that they are so young that they are still growing.

The first results of the Exoalma International project were published in 17 articles in the magazine Astronomical Physics Magazine messages. This technology uses advanced images to discover the planets that have been hidden so far from gas and dust that cloud of young solar energy systems.

The main researcher in the project, Professor Christophe Bente, was a pioneer in this seven -year technology at the University of Monash. Thanks to their work, the team was able to identify only a few million planets, that is, i.e. A thousand times smaller From the ground.

It exists for its effects on the environment

Unlike traditional methods, which are looking for direct light for small planets, Exoalma discovers the effects they generate on their environment.

“It is like an attempt to discover a fish to see the waves in a pond, instead of trying to see the fish itself,” the associated professor explained.

This approach allows discovery Many younger planets This is before, which opens new possibilities to understand its growth and development.

Rapid training in dynamic environments

One of the main results of the project is that the planets are formed quickly – in less than a few million years – in amazing dynamic environments, as many physical mechanisms interact.

Exoalma Project (Foreign planets with Alma) used Alma Radio Callopio (Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimter Array), located in the Atakama desert, Chile. This tool allows high -precision monitoring protocol, gas, and dust tablets where planets are born.

The new technology applies by the Monash team depends on the discovery of gas movement, which is affected by the gravitational presence of the planets, and not on the light from which it emanates or reflects.

Details of the systems observed

The five planets discovered in the three stars systems: HD 97048and HD 163296 Y MWC 758All of them are located in our galaxy at distances between 400 and 600 light years. These systems have clear evidence of continuous planetary training, with the fans estimated for planets similar to that of Saturn or Jupiter.

This discovery supports the theory Playing training It occurs in very early stages of the star’s life, which contradicts the previous models that assumed longer operations.

Likewise, the discovery contributes to improving the models of the development of planets, including Early immigration From the giant planets, a phenomenon that can also explain the presence of “hot Júpiteers” in orbit near their stars.