"Astronomers Discover Triple Iron Rings in Planet-Forming Disk"

Astronomers using the Very Large Telescope Interferometer have observed three concentric iron-rich rings in the planet-forming disk of the young star HD 144432, resembling the region where rocky planets formed in the early solar system. The presence of iron and silicate compounds in the disk suggests similarities to the conditions of the early solar system, potentially shedding light on the composition of rocky planets like Earth. The high-resolution observations also indicate the potential formation of planets within the gaps of the ring system, providing valuable insights into the planet formation process around young stars.