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Science

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Jilly_in_VA

(12,615 posts)
Mon Oct 2, 2023, 03:42 PM Oct 2023

Webb telescope finds planet-like objects in Orion [View all]

Jupiter-sized "planets" free-floating in space, unconnected to any star, have been spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

What's intriguing about the discovery is that these objects appear to be moving in pairs. Astronomers are currently struggling to explain them.

The telescope observed about 40 pairs in a fabulously detailed new survey of the famous Orion Nebula.

They've been nicknamed Jupiter Mass Binary Objects, or "JuMBOs" for short.

One possibility is that these objects grew out of regions in the nebula where the density of material was insufficient to make fully fledged stars.

Another possibility is that they were made around stars and were then kicked out into interstellar space through various interactions.

"The ejection hypothesis is the favoured one at the moment," said Prof Mark McCaughrean.

"Gas physics suggests you shouldn't be able to make objects with the mass of Jupiter on their own, and we know single planets can get kicked out from star systems. But how do you kick out pairs of these things together? Right now, we don't have an answer. It's one for the theoreticians," the European Space Agency's (Esa) senior science adviser told BBC News.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66974738

Holy wow! That's about all I can say. Orion was one of the first constellations my dad taught me to identify.

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Fascinating.... Bayard Oct 2023 #1
Not surprising though SCantiGOP Oct 2023 #2
But 40!!!!!!! Jilly_in_VA Oct 2023 #4
It would be an AWFUL justaprogressive Oct 2023 #3
James Webb Space Telescope's stunning mosaic of Orion Nebula uncovers rogue planets (photos) Judi Lynn Oct 2023 #5
amazing views! BootinUp Oct 2023 #7
kick BootinUp Oct 2023 #6
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