New link found between water and planet formation | ESOcast Light

Researchers have found water vapour in the disc around a young star exactly where planets may be forming. Water is a key ingredient for life on Earth, and is also thought to play a significant role in planet formation. Yet, until now, we had never been able to map how water is distributed in a stable, cool disc — the type of disc that offers the most favourable conditions for planets to form around stars. The new findings were made possible thanks to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in which the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is a partner. This video summarises the discovery. For more details, check the corresponding press release: Credits: ESO Directed by: Angelos Tsaousis and Martin Wallner. Editing: Angelos Tsaousis and Luis Calçada. Web and technical support: Gurvan Bazin and Raquel Yumi Shida Written by: Pamela Freeman and Tom Howarth. Music: Stellardrone — The Earth is Blue. Footage and photos: ESO/L. Calçada, ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/S. Facchini et al., A. Tsaousis, C. Malin (), B. Tafreshi, General Dynamics C4 Systems. Scientific consultant: Paola Amico, Mariya Lyubenova. More information and download options: