At High Trails, astronomy class is one of our most popular courses with our students. We field countless amounts of questions about the universe because 5th and 6th graders are so interested. Questions about how planets form are commonly asked, but the truth is, even scientists know very little about his subject. Catching the formation of a planet as it takes shape is an important observation that can help shed some light on this interesting phenomena.

Recently, using a Keck telescope (picture to the right), Hawaiian astronomers have located a newly forming planet orbiting a 2-million-year-old star about 450 light years from Earth. Astronomers named the new planet LkCa 15b after its star. The University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy discovered the cluster of dust and gas forming into a solid object, and estimates the forming of the planet began 50,000 to 100,000 years ago. Surprisingly enough, this is the youngest planet to have ever been observed! The prior record holder was about five times older.

Caroline Burdick

Because this is the first time scientists have observed the formation of a planet, there is much to learn about this astrological event. Perhaps a future astronomer lies among our students, and current developments such as this will spark his or her curiosity.

For more information on this planet click here.