A team of researchers at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard-Smithsonian, recently explored the first signs of organic complex molecules in the periphery of a proto-planetary disk of the young star, MWC 480. The lead author of the research, Karin Oberg as well as his colleagues made use of the ALMA or Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in order to conduct the research of the star system.
Present observations of the researchers
At present, the researchers have found the presence of HCN or hydrogen cyanide in the outer colder areas of the disk that surrounds MWC 480. Also, a more complex organic molecule called methyl cyanide or CH3CN has been observed in the region. According to the researchers, the star’s outer disk region can be akin to Kuiper Belt, which lies in our solar system only. In this system, dwarf planets as well as short-term comets are living in a little far across the Neptune orbit.
Planets banding together possibly to be seen in future
MWC 480 is just around one million years old. The mass of this star is twice that of Sun, and it rests at a distance of 455 light-years from the Taurus star-forming area. There are no signs of planets banking together, as of now. However, ALMA might throw light on such kinds of objects in the future studies and observations.
Was solar nebula enriched with complex organic molecules and water?
Oberg explained that on studying the asteroids and comets, it has been found that solar nebula, which generated our planets and Sun was enriched with complex organic molecules and compounds, along with water as well. He further added that this explains the similarity of chemistry at other places in the Universe as well. This kind of chemistry exists in those regions that can form other solar systems that are unlike ours.
The new research has been published in Nature journal.
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