Kinematic evidence for an embedded protoplanet in a circumstellar disc

TL;DR

This paper reports the kinematic detection of a potential protoplanet in a circumstellar disc, providing direct evidence of planet formation through velocity deviations caused by a two Jupiter-mass planet.

Contribution

It presents the first direct kinematic evidence of a protoplanet within a circumstellar disc, using velocity deviations to infer the presence of a forming planet.

Findings

Detected a localized velocity deviation in the disc of HD163296.

The deviation is consistent with a two Jupiter-mass planet at 260 au.

Provides direct dynamical evidence of planet formation.

Abstract

Discs of gas and dust surrounding young stars are the birthplace of planets. However, direct detection of protoplanets forming within discs has proved elusive to date. We present the detection of a large, localized deviation from Keplerian velocity in the protoplanetary disc surrounding the young star HD163296. The observed velocity pattern is consistent with the dynamical effect of a two Jupiter-mass planet orbiting at a radius $\approx$ 260au from the star.