Astronomers have made an exciting discovery around a star called WISPIT 2, which is similar to our young Sun. They confirmed two planets forming in its dusty disk. This makes WISPIT 2 just the second star system where multiple planets are seen actively coming together, shedding light on how our Solar System might have formed.
The findings were led by Chloe Lawlor, a PhD student at the University of Galway. The research team used the ESO’s Very Large Telescope and its upgraded version, VLTI, to capture definitive evidence of these planets, a big win for astronomers.
WISPIT 2 is about 437 light-years away and is a very young star, just 5 million years old. It hasn’t even started hydrogen fusion yet, which makes it unique for studying planet formation. The planets are still gathering material from the surrounding gas and dust—an incredible opportunity to see the early stages of planetary development.
The first confirmed planet, WISPIT 2b, has a mass around 4.9 times that of Jupiter and orbits 57 astronomical units from its star. The new planet, WISPIT 2c, is closer at 14 astronomical units and is estimated to be about two to six times more massive than Jupiter. Using the SPHERE instrument on the VLT, the team directly imaged WISPIT 2c and used the GRAVITY+ instrument to confirm its characteristics.
With their advanced tools, the researchers discovered a chemical signature in the atmosphere of WISPIT 2c, indicating it’s likely a young gas giant. Co-author Guillaume Bourdarot highlighted that the nearly perfect upgrade to GRAVITY+ was crucial for their success in identifying the planet.
Unlike the only other similar system, PDS 70, which has two planets in one major cavity, WISPIT 2 features a sprawling disk with distinct rings and gaps. This setup allows researchers to observe the formation of not just one planet, but potentially a whole planetary system. Both planets are found in these gaps, which may be created as new planets grow by collecting surrounding material.
A standout feature of this study is the potential for discovering even more planets. There’s a gap in the disk not yet linked to any body, suggesting there may be a third planet forming. Researchers think this planet could have a mass similar to Saturn, given the characteristics of the gap. The upcoming Extremely Large Telescope, set to launch in March 2029, might even help in imaging this potential new world.
As interest in WISPIT 2 grows, it could provide key insights into our own planet’s history. The more scientists learn about these young systems, the closer they get to uncovering the mysteries of how planetary systems evolve.
For those curious about the potential for discovering new worlds, sources like the Astrophysical Journal Letters (check out the publication for in-depth details) highlight how modern tools are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos. This is just the beginning for WISPIT 2, and astronomers are keenly watching to see what more it might reveal.
