JWST Discovers Jupiter-Mass Binary Objects in Orion Nebula, Offering New Clues

James Webb Telescope uncovers Jupiter-mass binary objects in the Orion Nebula, hinting at unique stellar formation conditions.

Advertisement
Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 13 December 2024 17:00 IST
Highlights
  • JWST observes Jupiter-mass binary objects (JuMBOs) in Orion Nebula
  • JuMBOs might be failed stars or ejected planetary systems
  • Findings could redefine understanding of stellar and planetary formation
JWST Discovers Jupiter-Mass Binary Objects in Orion Nebula, Offering New Clues

JWST's image of the Orion Nebula reveals free-floating, Jupiter-sized planets

Photo Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, Mahdi Zamani (ESA/Webb), PDRs4ALL ERS Team)

Dozens of massive planet-like objects, observed by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) in the Orion Nebula, are believed to hold clues about stellar formation and disruption. These objects, referred to as Jupiter-mass binary objects (JuMBOs), comprise pairs of rogue gas giants, with masses between 0.7 and 30 times that of Jupiter, orbiting each other at significant distances of 25 to 400 astronomical units (AU).

Findings from the Orion Nebula

The study exploring their origin has been detailed in The Astrophysical Journal on November 5. The objects are located in the trapezoid region of the Orion Nebula, a known stellar nursery. According to reports, JuMBOs are thought to have formed under unique conditions not observed elsewhere. Current theories consider various possibilities, such as gravitational dynamics ejecting them from their home systems or a scenario where they formed near stars before being forced into independent orbits. However, the recent study proposes that they may represent failed stars, created when embryonic stars lost mass due to intense radiation.

Insights from Researchers

Richard Parker, a senior lecturer in astrophysics at the University of Sheffield, who co-authored the study, shared with Live Science that the observed wide separations between JuMBO pairs set them apart from other brown dwarfs in the galaxy. The study explored whether these binary systems might have originated from pre-stellar cores subjected to extreme radiation from nearby massive stars. These intense conditions, theorised by Anthony Whitworth and Hans Zinnecker two decades ago, could erode a core's outer layers and compress its centre, potentially leading to the creation of JuMBOs.

Simulations Shed Light on Formation

Parker, along with Jessica Diamond, a doctoral student and lead author, conducted simulations by exposing virtual pre-stellar cores to conditions mimicking high-energy radiation. The outcomes closely matched the JuMBOs in terms of size and orbital distance. While these findings present a plausible formation process, Parker stressed that further studies in other star-forming regions, like the Scorpius-Centaurus association, could validate the hypothesis.

Advertisement

The research highlights how little is currently known about these enigmatic systems, leaving room for alternative theories and ongoing investigation.

 

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Apple Announces iOS 26 With Liquid Glass Design, These New Features
  2. Poco F7 India Launch Teased; Flipkart Availability Confirmed
  3. Vivo T4 Ultra Chipset, Display Features Confirmed Ahead of India Launch
  4. iQOO 13 and More Available With Discounts During iQOO 5th Anniversary Sale
  5. WWDC 2025 Highlights: Apple Unveils iOS 26, macOS 26 and Liquid Glass UI
  6. Oppo K13x 5G Price Range in India, Retail Box Leaked Online
  1. WWDC 2025: Apple Announces iOS 26 With New Liquid Glass Design, Apple Intelligence Enhancements and More
  2. WWDC 2025: Apple Intelligence Models Expanded to Developers, Live Translation Feature Unveiled
  3. Xbox Chief Phil Spencer Hints at 'Return' of Halo: Combat Evolved Next Year
  4. Vivo X Fold 5 Design Teased; Confirmed to Feature 8T LTPO Panels, Meet IP5X and IPX9+ Certifications
  5. Oppo K13x 5G Price Range in India Tipped; Alleged Retail Box Suggests Flat Display
  6. WWDC 2025: Apple Faces AI, Regulatory Challenges As it Woos Developers at Annual Conference
  7. WazirX Parent Zettai Urges Singapore Court to Review WazirX Restructuring, Extend Moratorium
  8. AI+ Smartwatch With Built-in TWS Tipped to Launch in June; Retail Box Image Leaked
  9. Vivo T4 Ultra to Get MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC; Camera, Display Features Revealed
  10. Capcom Reveals Resident Evil Requiem at Summer Game Fest, Launch Set for February 2026
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.