Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array have spotted signs of early giant planet formation inside a colossal dusty disk nicknamed Gomez’s Hamburger.
The system, known as GoHam, sits nearly edge-on from Earth’s point of view. That rare angle gave researchers a direct look at the disk’s vertical structure, letting them map where gases and dust settle into distinct layers. Light carbon monoxide floats highest, a heavier carbon monoxide isotope sits a bit lower, sulfur-bearing gas hugs the midplane, and millimeter-sized dust stays compact at the center while gas extends far above and below.
One side of the disk shows brighter, more extended dust emission, which the team attributes to a vortex or large disturbance that could concentrate the solid material planets are built from. Wispy carbon monoxide on one side may also signal a photoevaporative wind stripping gas into space.
“GoHam gives us a rare and clear view of the vertical and radial structure of a very large, nearly edge-on disk,” said Charles Law, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota and the study’s principal investigator.
The research was presented at the American Astronomical Society’s 247th meeting and has been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.
Source: Phys.org
