James Webb Space Telescope observes 72 stars and finds planet formation is a race against time

James Webb Space Telescope observes 72 stars and finds planet formation is a race against time — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/james-webb-space-telescope-observes-72-stars-and-finds-planet-formation-is-a-race-against-timeContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. JWST finds Jupiter-like planets race to form before gas disks dissipatehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/james-webb-space-telescope-observes-72-stars-and-finds-planet-formation-is-a-race-against-timehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/james-webb-space-telescope-observes-72-stars-and-finds-planet-formation-is-a-race-against-time#u53859Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:45:39 +0000The James Webb Space Telescope observed 72 young star systems to determine the timeline of planet formation. The data reveals that Jupiter-like planets must acquire their massive atmospheres within the first several million years of a gas-rich disc's existence. This window is limited because jets and disc winds eventually disperse the available material, forcing planets to form quickly or miss the opportunity to gain significant mass.Why it mattersProtoplanetary disks provide the raw material for new worlds. Understanding the speed of this process helps astronomers explain why certain pla