An international research team led by Project Assistant Professor Satoshi Ohashi of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has conducted high-resolution and multi-wavelength observations of a protoplanetary disk around a relatively young protostar, DG Taurus (DG Tau), using ALMA to study the structure of the disk and the size and amount of dust, the material for planets. The team achieved results that revealed the first step in the process of planet formation. Read here the ALMA press release for more information.
Image: © ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), S. Ohashi, et al.; High-resolution ALMA imagery of the protoplanetary disk surrounding DG Taurus at a 1.3 mm wavelength. The smooth appearance, absent of ring-like structures, indicates a phase shortly preceding planet formation.