Astronomers find first exoplanet in multi-ring disk, a baby world still feeding

Astronomers Spot Baby Planet Feeding Around Young Star (Image: ESO/R. F. van Capelleveen et al.)

The universe has delivered another surprise for astronomers. A newly discovered baby planet, named WISPIT 2b, has been caught feeding on material around its young parent star, 430 light-years from Earth.

What do we know about WISPIT 2b?
The planet is a gas giant about the size of Jupiter. At just 5 million years old, it is still considered an infant compared with our 4.6-billion-year-old solar system. WISPIT 2b sits within a planet-forming protoplanetary disk of gas and dust, carving a gap as it grows. Scientists say it resembles a cosmic Pac-Man devouring its surroundings.

WISPIT 2b spotted within a gap of the protoplanetary disk surrounding star WISPIT 2 in near-infrared. (Image: C. Ginski/R. van Capelleveen et al)

Why is this discovery significant for astronomy?
WISPIT 2b is the first confirmed planet inside a multi-ringed protoplanetary disk. This type of disk contains multiple channels, resembling a vinyl record. The discovery was made using the Very Large Telescope in Chile. The system is also only the second case of a young planet orbiting a star similar to the early Sun. Researchers believe this makes it a vital laboratory for understanding how planetary systems evolve.

How was the planet actually detected?
The team captured infrared images of the glowing planet as it sat in a gap in the disk. Its brightness comes from the heat of its recent formation. Short observation snapshots of several stars helped reveal the presence of WISPIT 2b. Follow-up images also showed that the planet is still actively gathering material. Separate optical observations by researchers in Arizona confirmed this finding.

Scientists described the moment as unexpected and remarkable. Leiden University’s Richelle van Capelleveen said the discovery will become a benchmark for future studies. Christian Ginski of the University of Galway added that capturing such a young planet offers a rare chance to study why planetary systems evolve so differently. Team member Jake Byrne said he was astonished when he first saw the planet, calling it a discovery that will spark wide discussion.

The findings were published on 26 August in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.