New Protoplanet(s?) Alert! Unveiling the Secrets of WISPIT 2

Prepare for some exciting news from the world of exoplanet discovery! A recent paper, spearheaded by Laird Close, has unveiled new insights into the WISPIT 2 system, and it’s a game-changer for our understanding of how planets are born.

WISPIT 2 System

A Tale of Two (or More?) Worlds

This newly released image, captured by the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer (LBTI), showcases the WISPIT 2 system in infrared light. After the host star was carefully subtracted from the image, two compelling point sources emerged: CC1 and planet b.

Planet b, already discovered with MagAO-X following its initial detection in the SPHERE disk (thanks to the work of R. van Capelleveen and the team), is a confirmed superjovian protoplanet residing in a gap within the disk. But the real buzz is around CC1.

CC1: A Cloudy Candidate for a Second Protoplanet?

While planet b is a clear detection, CC1 presents a more enigmatic picture. Initial observations showed no significant Hα accretion signal, but further analysis using infrared light (L' band) and even weaker detections in Ks and z' bands revealed its presence. The key observation is that CC1 appears too red to be simply scattered starlight. This has led the research team to propose that CC1 might be a second protoplanet, potentially more embedded within the dust of the WISPIT 2 system.

What This Means for Planetary Science

Detecting protoplanets is crucial for understanding the diverse pathways of planetary formation. The WISPIT 2 system, with its confirmed planet and intriguing candidate, provides a unique laboratory to study these processes. The presence of multiple forming planets in different stages of development within a single system can shed light on how planetary architectures evolve.

The Tools of the Trade

These groundbreaking observations were made possible by sophisticated instruments:

MagAO-X: This advanced adaptive optics system on the Magellan Clay 6.5-meter telescope was instrumental in the initial confirmation of planet b.
LBTI: The Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer provided the stunning infrared view that revealed CC1 and the detailed structure of the WISPIT 2 disk.