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Astronomers Discover Magnetic Fields in Protoplanetary Disks
In a groundbreaking achievement, astronomers have successfully observed the magnetic field surrounding a young star believed to be in the process of forming planets. By utilizing dust particles as a means to measure the three-dimensional configuration of the magnetic field, this research marks a significant advancement in the understanding of planetary formation.
Planets develop within chaotic disks of gas and dust known as protoplanetary disks that orbit young stars. Initial stages of planet formation involve dust grains colliding and adhering to each other, which leads to larger bodies over time. The dynamics of these dust particles are significantly affected by various forces, including magnetic fields. Therefore, grasping the nature of these magnetic fields is essential for comprehending the mechanisms of planet formation. Until now, however, direct measurements of magnetic fields within protoplanetary disks had eluded researchers.
In this study, an international team of astronomers, spearheaded by Satoshi Ohashi from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, employed the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to investigate the protoplanetary disk surrounding the young star HD 142527. Located 512 light-years away in the constellation Lupus, this star provided a unique opportunity for observation. The researchers discovered that dust grains were aligned with the magnetic field lines, enabling them to detect and assess the previously hidden magnetic fields. This process is akin to how iron filings reveal the magnetic field around a magnet. The findings suggest that the determined three-dimensional structure could induce significant turbulence within the protoplanetary disk.
Having established the efficacy of this method for identifying a young star’s magnetic signature, the research team aims to expand their investigations to other stars. By measuring the magnetic fields closer to the stars, they hope to gain deeper insights into the magnetic environments that play a crucial role in the formation of planetary systems.
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