Astronomers Detect Gaseous Water in Planet-Forming Disk, Providing Clues to Earth's Origins.
Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have detected gaseous water in the planet-forming disk surrounding the star V883 Orionis. This discovery, published in the journal Nature on March 8, 2023, provides new insights into the origins of water on Earth and other planets.
The water detected in the V883 Orionis disk has a similar chemical composition to the water found in comets in our solar system. This suggests that comets may have played a key role in delivering water to Earth and other planets during their early formation.
"We can now trace the origins of water in our Solar System to before the formation of the Sun," said John J. Tobin, an astronomer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and lead author of the study.
The V883 Orionis disk is unusually hot due to a dramatic outburst of energy from the star. This heat causes the water in the disk to vaporize, making it easier for astronomers to detect.
"We were able to detect the water in V883 Orionis because it is so hot," said co-author Margot Leemker. "Most of the water in planet-forming disks is frozen, which makes it hidden from view."
The astronomers also used ALMA to map the distribution of water in the V883 Orionis disk. They found that the water is concentrated in the inner regions of the disk, where it is most likely to be incorporated into forming planets.
"The discovery of water in the V883 Orionis disk is a major step forward in our understanding of how planets form," said Tobin. "It shows that water is present in planet-forming disks from the very beginning, and that it is likely to be a common ingredient in planets throughout the universe."
Implications for the Origins of Life
The discovery of water in the V883 Orionis disk also has implications for the origins of life. Water is essential for life as we know it, and its presence in planet-forming disks suggests that the conditions for life may be common throughout the universe.
"The presence of water in V883 Orionis tells us that the ingredients for life are present in planet-forming disks from the very beginning," said Leemker. "This is a very exciting discovery, and it raises the possibility that life may be more common in the universe than we previously thought."
Future Research
The astronomers plan to continue studying the V883 Orionis disk to learn more about the distribution of water and other molecules. They also plan to study other planet-forming disks to see if water is common in all of them.
"This discovery is just the beginning," said Tobin. "We have a lot more to learn about the role of water in planet formation and the origins of life."