In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have observed the earliest stages of rocky planet formation around a young sun-like star, offering unprecedented insights into the origins of our solar system. The findings, published in Nature, reveal swirling gas and dust coalescing into planetary building blocks—a process scientists describe as capturing "time zero" of cosmic creation.
"We've captured a direct glimpse of the hot region where rocky planets like Earth are born around young protostars," said Leiden Observatory's Melissa McClure, who led the international research team. "For the first time, we can conclusively say that the first steps of planet formation are happening right now."
The observations provide critical data for understanding how planetary systems evolve. University of Chicago researcher Fred Ciesla, not involved in the study, called it "one of the things we've been waiting for," noting that astronomers have long theorized about these processes without direct evidence until now.
This discovery holds particular significance for researchers studying Earth-like exoplanets and investors tracking space exploration technologies. For Asia's growing astronomy sector—particularly in countries like Japan and India advancing space programs—the findings could inform future missions and instrumentation development.
