JWST Uncovers a Carbon-Rich Planet-Forming Disk Around a Young Star
JWST observations of the transitional disks GM Aur and J1615 reveal that, despite their similar stars, the two systems have strikingly different inner-disk chemistry. J1615 hosts abundant carbon-rich molecules, while GM Aur shows mostly water and OH. The authors suggest that J1615’s low accretion rate and more processed dust help preserve carbon-bearing gas, highlighting how small physical differences can dramatically alter planet-forming environments.
When Discs Dance: How Misaligned Binary Stars Create Unusual Spiral Arms
Rowther et al. use 3D simulations to show that moderately misaligned circumbinary discs can form unusual leading spiral arms at connection points between inner and outer discs. These spirals don’t rotate with the disc and vanish when the discs align or fully break. The effect is independent of detailed disc physics, and in some cases shadows can also launch trailing spirals, meaning both types can coexist.