James Webb Space Telescope observes 72 stars and finds planet formation is a race against time
New research using the James Webb Space Telescope on 72 sun-like stars reveals that planet formation is a rapid process. The study shows that protoplanetary disks lose the material necessary for planet building quickly, creating a narrow window for gas giants like Jupiter to form.
Why it matters
This discovery provides critical insights into the timeline of solar system formation and the evolution of planetary atmospheres.
James Webb Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope observes 72 stars and finds planet formation is a race against time News By Robert Lea Published 27 August 2026 "Gas giants like Jupiter must assemble their massive atmospheres while the disk is still substantial enough to supply them, before winds and jets carry that raw material away into space."
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in