Elusive Planet Unveiled as Architect of Spiral Arms

Astronomers have discovered a giant exoplanet, MWC 758c, that is responsible for generating spiral arms in its infant planetary system. This finding provides solid evidence that spiral arms in protoplanetary disks are caused by giant planets. The planet's star is located about 500 light-years away from Earth and is only a few million years old. The researchers were able to detect the planet using the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI), which can observe longer wavelengths in the mid-infrared range. The planet's unexpected red color made it invisible to other telescopes. Further observations with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will help determine whether the planet is colder than expected or enshrouded by dust. This discovery opens up new possibilities for detecting hidden planets and revising planet formation models.