Astronomers using the Webb Space Telescope and the European Southern Observatory have discovered the earliest stages of rocky planet formation around a young star, HOPS-315. This unprecedented observation shows silicon monoxide gas and crystalline silicate minerals condensing, mirroring the initial building blocks of our solar system. The discovery, published in Nature, reveals a process potentially common to early planet formation and offers valuable insights into the creation of Earth-like worlds. The young star, only 100,000-200,000 years old, is located 1,370 light-years away and possesses a massive gas disk, potentially leading to the formation of multiple planets.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.