An international team of astronomers, led by the University of Galway, has identified a promising location for a new planet in the process of formation. This potential gas giant planet, estimated to be a few times the mass of Jupiter, was discovered using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT) in Chile. The researchers captured detailed images of a distant young star surrounded by a structured disk, extending out to 130 astronomical units from its parent star. The findings have been published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

The disk observed by the team shows a bright ring followed by a gap at approximately 50 astronomical units, with spiral arms visible within the gap. This system, known as 2MASS1612, is located 430 light years away from Earth. The study, led by Dr. Christian Ginski from the University of Galway, involved the collaboration of international astronomers and graduate students from the University.

Dr. Ginski emphasized the significance of this discovery, noting that the system's structure aligns closely with theoretical models of planet formation. The team plans to use the James Webb Space Telescope to further study and potentially capture an image of the new planet. The research findings suggest the presence of a planet based on the disk's characteristics and atmospheric emissions, which require additional investigation for confirmation.

The team's work represents a step forward in understanding planetary formation and the evolution of our solar system. The collaboration between experienced astronomers and young researchers at the University of Galway highlights the importance of mentorship and hands-on experience in scientific research.

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