This research was led by Santiago Orcajo, a researcher affiliated with the Institute of Astrophysics of La Plata (Argentina). The study was conducted under the auspices of the Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Young Exoplanets and their Moons (YEMS), an initiative that convenes researchers from four Chilean academic institutions, including the University of Santiago de Chile (Usach).
“This research demonstrates the possibility of interpreting the wide array of morphologies observed in protoplanetary disks as a natural progression of the planet formation process,” Dr. Sebastián Pérez Márquez, professor of physics at Usach and a researcher with the YEMS and CIRAS Centers, clarifies. “This work provides a fresh perspective on a key ALMA discovery, paving the way for new insights into how planets take shape in other star systems.”
Under the proposed model, disks are categorized into five evolutionary stages. Initially, they exhibit minimal structure. As they evolve, distinct voids, rings, and cavities begin to emerge, signifying the gravitational influence of nascent planets on the surrounding disk material.
Dr. Fernando Rannou, an academic from Usach’s Department of Computer Engineering, provided the essential computer science expertise for this work. “We developed a pipeline that was both complex and computationally expensive,” stated Professor Rannou. “Our goal was to simulate the evolutionary process as realistically as possible, covering aspects like dust migration with PlanetaLP, radiative transfer with RADMC3D, and even the interferometric observation of how the ALMA telescope would perceive it.
Significantly, the study also reveals the swift formation of giant planets, even in orbits far from their host stars. This observation challenges existing models and prompts new inquiries into the physical mechanisms that facilitate such rapid development. “Detecting planets as they form remains one of the primary hurdles in fully comprehending the evolution of planetary systems like ours,” concludes Dr. Pérez.
This research is crucial for Usach, demonstrating a dual impact: it bolsters the university’s record of high-impact publications while simultaneously reinforcing its prominent and successful role in advancing national astronomy.
This study exemplifies the global impact of Chilean astronomy and the immense potential of international scientific collaborations. It particularly underscores Usach’s pivotal role in cutting-edge projects that seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art astronomical observation with advanced physical modeling and computational development.
An initiative funded by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), the YEMS Millennium Nucleus fosters collaboration among research teams from Diego Portales University, the University of Santiago, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and the University of Concepción. Its purpose is to explore how planets and their moons are born and to develop emerging talent in this strategically important field for Chile.