Scientists from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) have reported the discovery of a rare young star system, WISPIT 2, in which several planets are forming at once. This is only the second such system ever found in the nearby region of the Galaxy in the entire history of observations. The report was published by TASS, citing data from the observatory.

The WISPIT 2 system is located 433 light-years from Earth. Analysis of its protoplanetary disk revealed characteristic gaps and dense regions, which typically indicate that large planets are already forming within the disk. Scientists suggest that there may be not just two, but three large planets forming inside it.

The researchers noted that the presence of a gap at the outer edge of the protoplanetary disk suggests that there may be not two, but three large planets hidden within it.

According to preliminary estimates, one of the forming planets is similar in mass to Saturn.

This discovery is particularly valuable because it allows scientists to observe the process of planet formation almost in real time—at a very early stage in the evolution of a star system. Such objects are extremely rare, as the phase of active planet formation is relatively short by astronomical standards.

Earlier this year, an international group of astronomers from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Denmark reported the discovery of the exoplanet HD 137010 b, located 146 light-years from Earth. Preliminary analysis showed a surprising similarity between this world and Earth and Mars in key parameters.

The discovery of the WISPIT 2 system gives scientists a unique opportunity to study how planets form under different conditions and to better understand the history of the formation of our own Solar System.

In brief
Astronomers at ESO have discovered a second young star system, WISPIT 2 (433 light-years away), where planets are actively forming. Gaps in the protoplanetary disk indicate the presence of at least two, and possibly three, large planets, one of which is similar in mass to Saturn. This provides a rare opportunity to observe planet formation at an early stage. The findings are based on data from the European Southern Observatory.