Connect with us

News

Webb Joins the Search for Protoplanets

u m astronomers conduct first search for forming planets with new space telescope gas giant

Scientists have long been grappling with the challenge of understanding the formation of planets obscured by thick disks of gas and dust. However, a ray of hope shines through in the form of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a powerful tool that promises to unveil the mysteries of planet formation. Recent studies using JWST have shed light on protoplanetary disks around young stars, offering tantalizing glimpses into the process of planet birth.

ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array, has been instrumental in imaging these disks, revealing telltale signs of planet formation such as gaps and structures. While previous observations have hinted at the presence of protoplanets, it is the JWST that now joins the hunt for these elusive cosmic bodies.

ALMA's high-resolution images of nearby protoplanetary disks are the results of the Disk Substructures at High Angular Resolution Project (DSHARP). Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), S. Andrews et al.; NRAO/AUI/NSF, S. Dagnello
ALMA’s high-resolution images of nearby protoplanetary disks are the results of the Disk Substructures at High Angular Resolution Project (DSHARP). Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), S. Andrews et al.; NRAO/AUI/NSF, S. Dagnello

Three new studies published in The Astronomical Journal present the findings from JWST observations combined with data from Hubble and ALMA. These studies offer early insights into planet formation processes, revealing how planets shape the disks from which they emerge. By identifying unique features linked to planet formation, astronomers hope to extend their search to other protoplanetary disks.

The research focuses on protoplanetary disks like HL Tau, SAO 206462, and MWC 758, familiar targets previously studied with other telescopes. The infrared capabilities of JWST enable astronomers to detect infrared radiation emitted by planets as they gather material, providing a new perspective on these evolving systems.

One standout discovery revolves around MWC 758, a young star hosting a spiral protoplanetary disk. Mathematical simulations suggest the presence of a giant planet within the spiral arms, offering insights into the dynamics of planetary formation. Similarly, SAO 206462 exhibits spiral arms indicative of planet formation, though the exact nature of the observed planet remains elusive.

Check Out Also:  NRA and Wayne LaPierre Held Accountable for Financial Wrongdoing
This is a JWST image of the star SAO 296462 and its spiral disk. Image Credit: Cugno et al. 2024.
This is a JWST image of the star SAO 296462 and its spiral disk. Image Credit: Cugno et al. 2024.

While JWST observations provide detailed insights into these systems, the search for planets remains challenging due to their faintness compared to the host stars. Despite this obstacle, astronomers remain optimistic about unraveling the mysteries of planet formation and system evolution.

As we look towards the future, upcoming telescopes like the ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope and the Giant Magellan Telescope hold promise for furthering our understanding of protoplanetary disks and planetary systems. These advancements offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of cosmic evolution, guiding us towards a deeper appreciation of the celestial wonders that surround us.

Image of Jupiter taken by NASA's Juno spacecraft. Massive gas giants like Jupiter might govern the movement of water in a young solar system, affecting which planets get it. That's just one of the reasons why astronomers want to find them around young stars. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill)
Image of Jupiter taken by NASA’s Juno spacecraft. Massive gas giants like Jupiter might govern the movement of water in a young solar system, affecting which planets get it. That’s just one of the reasons why astronomers want to find them around young stars. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill)

With each new observation and discovery, we inch closer to unlocking the secrets of our cosmic origins and the dazzling array of planetary systems that shape our universe. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but the quest for knowledge and understanding drives us forward, illuminating the path towards a deeper comprehension of the cosmos.

cropped cropped cropped cropped cropped Intellectuals Insider
+ posts
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

News

Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?

gettyimages 1204672416


gettyimages-1204672416.jpg
Now may be the time to buy gold following a recent lull in its price.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The price of gold has climbed to record highs recently and has remained strong through much of April. And, that growth continued until the precious metal traded at around $2,390 per ounce on April 19, 2024. But since, growth in the price of the precious metal has cooled, with gold’s price now hovering around $2,300 per ounce.

This lull in gold’s price may represent an investment opportunity.

In general, investing is centered around buying assets when prices are low and selling them when prices are high – generating a profit on the difference between the two. So, considering the declines in gold’s price over the past few days, now may be the time to make your investment. But is buying gold during this lull in prices really a good idea?

Compare your gold investment options among leading brokers now.

Gold prices have cooled. Should you buy in now?

With gold’s price down from recent highs, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy in. There are several reasons the dip in gold’s price may represent an opportunity to buy. Here are some of the biggest:

Prices may rise again

If looking at a gold price chart shows anything for certain, it shows that changes in the overall growth of the medal come in fits and spurts. Periods of price growth are typically followed by periods of declines and vice versa.

But with inflation rising in recent months – and with gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset that can hedge against inflation – it only makes sense that the price of the precious metal will eventually start to head up again in the future. While attempting to time that directional change may be tricky, buying the precious metal while the price is down gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any upward movement that may be ahead.

Add gold to your portfolio now before prices have a chance to rise.

You may be able to make a quick profit

Gold isn’t known as an asset in which you can earn a quick return, but in today’s market, that may be the case. Don’t forget that in January, gold was trading at just $2,000 per ounce. And, by mid-April, the commodity’s price had climbed to around $2,400 per ounce. That’s about 20% growth in a matter of months, much of which happened since March 1 – an impressive climb for any investment asset.

Perhaps more importantly, gold’s price growth through the beginning of 2024 shows that the commodity doesn’t have to be a buy and hold style investment that you keep in a safety deposit box or precious metal depository for years to come. There’s also the possibility that the commodity’s price could climb further ahead, making it a compelling way to potentially generate a quick profit.

There are other benefits of investing in gold

There are other benefits of investing in gold that have little to do with the price growth seen thus far in 2024 – or the lull in prices seen over the past couple of days. Those benefits include:

  • Inflation protection: Gold has long been considered an inflation hedge, and for good reason. When inflation drives the prices of consumer goods and services up – and the value of the dollar down – gold’s price tends to rise. So, it could be used to maintain the value of your portfolio during inflationary economic conditions. That’s important in today’s economic environment as stubborn inflation continues to weigh on the value of the dollar.
  • Portfolio diversification: Gold’s price doesn’t always move in the same pattern that bonds or stocks do. So, mixing a reasonable amount of gold into your portfolio (up to 10% of your portfolio assets) as a diversifier could protect you from losses should one or more of your traditional portfolio assets fall in value. “If you have less than 5% – 10% of your net worth in commodities & FX (forex), you should absolutely consider adding exposure to gold and other precious metals,” says Vijay Marolia, money manager and managing partner at the wealth management firm, Regal Point Capital.

The bottom line

Gold’s price has fallen from recent highs – which may represent an opportunity to tap into growth ahead. However, gold isn’t simply a “buy while it’s low and sell while it’s a high” kind of investment opportunity. The commodity can also protect your portfolio from the stubborn inflation we’ve seen thus far in 2024 while acting as a diversification tool that could increase your risk-adjusted portfolio returns. So, consider adding gold to your portfolio today while it has the potential to grow in value.

cropped cropped cropped cropped cropped Intellectuals Insider
+ posts
Check Out Also:  What is the Duration of Advanced Civilizations' Attempt to Communicate With Us?
Continue Reading

Featured

gettyimages 1204672416 gettyimages 1204672416
News2 days ago

Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?

Now may be the time to buy gold following a recent lull in its price. Getty Images/iStockphoto The price of...

1 voyager artists concept 16 e1713838791668 1 voyager artists concept 16 e1713838791668
News2 days ago

Voyager 1 Communications Restored by NASA

NASA has successfully restored communication with the Voyager 1 spacecraft, much to the relief of mission engineers, scientists, and space...

80550955 80550955
Entertainment2 days ago

Kim Kardashian completes strange task before having her coffee

Kim Kardashian, the famous reality TV star and entrepreneur, recently revealed a bizarre quirk that she indulges in before she...

urlhttps3A2F2Fcalifornia times brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com2F8c2F9b2F6e42f28f4aea944452b86b0ba9cb2Fhttps delivery gettyimages.com2Fdownloads2F1848151224 urlhttps3A2F2Fcalifornia times brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com2F8c2F9b2F6e42f28f4aea944452b86b0ba9cb2Fhttps delivery gettyimages.com2Fdownloads2F1848151224
News4 days ago

Kevin McCarthy, former House Speaker, seeks revenge

Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is out for vengeance. After being voted out as House speaker, McCarthy left office at...

21uk labour 02 mjvk promo facebookJumbo 21uk labour 02 mjvk promo facebookJumbo
News4 days ago

Possible Future Colleague of Trump: David Lammy, a Close Associate of Obama

David Lammy, a prominent British politician with deep ties to the United States, is poised to become Britain’s foreign secretary...

13081 13081
News5 days ago

Juno discovers massive lava lake on Io

NASA’s Juno spacecraft recently made two close flybys of Jupiter’s moon Io, coming within 1,500 km (930 miles) of its...

80428178 80428178
Entertainment5 days ago

Bethenny Frankel reveals that her mother Bernadette Birk passed away from lung cancer

Bethenny Frankel, former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” is mourning the loss of her mother, Bernadette...

urlhttps3A2F2Fcalifornia times brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com2Fcf2F8c2Fdc0c07054e06a67a4adfd6298caa2F1436454 me 0415 parking 3 rcg urlhttps3A2F2Fcalifornia times brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com2Fcf2F8c2Fdc0c07054e06a67a4adfd6298caa2F1436454 me 0415 parking 3 rcg
News1 week ago

Forest Lawn Drive now free of RV encampment and parking

Nancy Sexton was thrilled when city crews cleared out more than 50 RVs in December that had been parked near...

00cli AmblerRoad facebookJumbo 00cli AmblerRoad facebookJumbo
News1 week ago

Alaska Ambler Road Project Denied by Interior Department

The decision by the Interior Department to reject the Ambler Road Project in Alaska is a significant win for environmentalists...

gettyimages 2147841407 gettyimages 2147841407
News1 week ago

House speaker receives additional request from GOP member to resign or be ousted

House Speaker Faces New Call by Another Republican to Step Down or Face Removal House Speaker Johnson says he’s not...

Advertisement

Facebook

Trending