James Webb Telescope spots shifting dust disks around young stars Sz 96 and IP Tau

Star system: IP Tauri | Distance from the Sun: 422 light years

Astronomers comparing new James Webb Space Telescope data with 20-year-old Spitzer observations have discovered significant changes in the dusty, planet-forming disks surrounding two young stars, Sz 96 and IP Tau.

The study found that the infrared light emitted by silicates—minerals similar to sand or rocks—shifted in brightness by up to 35%, suggesting that the inner structure of these disks is physically changing over time. Furthermore, the high-resolution data revealed that crystalline dust grains are being transported from the hot regions near the star to cooler, outer areas of the disk. This movement of mineral 'building blocks' provides a rare look at the dynamic environment where future planets are currently taking shape.

Scientific study

JWST-DECO: Temporal Variations in the Mid-IR Silicate Features of Two T Tauri Discs Based on Spitzer and JWST observations (external link)