Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have identified six rogue worlds celestial bodies slightly larger than Jupiter that do not orbit any stars. These discoveries offer new insights into star and planet formation processes throughout the universe.
The Webb Telescope focused on the star-forming nebula NGC 1333, situated 960 light-years away within the Perseus molecular cloud. Unlike previous observations hindered by dust, Webb’s infrared capabilities allowed it to penetrate the dust and reveal detailed images of this turbulent region, where stars and other cosmic bodies form.
Among the findings were newborn stars, brown dwarfs, and planetary-mass objects, each with a mass five to ten times that of Jupiter. This research, soon to be published in The Astronomical Journal, explores how these low-mass objects, typically formed like stars, challenge traditional distinctions between planets and stars.
Ray Jayawardhana, senior study author and astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University, highlighted that the smallest free-floating objects formed like stars are similar in mass to giant exoplanets. Lead author Adam Langeveld emphasized that these discoveries push the boundaries of our understanding of stellar and planetary formation, questioning whether objects like young Jupiters could eventually become stars.
One notable object has a mass equivalent to five Jupiters and is surrounded by a dusty disk, suggesting it formed in a star-like manner and could potentially develop its mini-planetary system. This concept is further supported by Aleks Scholz, a study coauthor from the University of St. Andrews, who posits that planetary-mass objects might form their planets, creating miniature solar systems.
Additionally, Webb discovered a rare pair consisting of a brown dwarf and a planetary-mass companion, likely formed from a fragmenting cloud.
As research on these rogue worlds continues, scientists aim to deepen their understanding of their formation and evolution. The upcoming launch of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope in May 2027 is expected to further illuminate the mysteries surrounding these wandering planets.
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