New NASA research, using images from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Spitzer Space Telescope, found that there were serious disruptions in planet formation areas around young, massive stars. The “danger zones” within star clusters-the area exposed to strong ultraviolet and X-ray radiation from the massive, young infant stars, such as in the Cygnus OB2 star cluster-are scorching around these huge stars. This high-energy radiation affects material around those stars, interfering with the formations of planets.
High-energy radiation is destroying the typical cradles of planet formation in these regions: protoplanetary disks of essential gases and dust clouds. This process of photoevaporation disperses material needed for planets, thus becoming hostile towards the birth of planets. In essence, any emerging planets within these zones face a battle for survival because radiation conditions eat away the very matter from which they could emerge.
Cygnus OB2 is an interesting site due to the presence of numerous young, massive stars emitting strong radiation that has strong effects on the environment around them. Researchers found that the destruction is greatest at close proximity, where such strength is capable of fully undoing the protoplanetary disks present within those regions. This then implies severe destruction because such areas would be left very bereft of new planets.
This finding highlights the degree to which massive stars sculpt their surroundings; they almost seem to be sterilizing regions around them in which otherwise planets might form. This study proves that while stars are the lifeblood of cosmic evolution, the life cycle of the star can prevent the formation of planets under certain conditions. Such discoveries provide valuable insight as to why certain regions of space fail to discover planets. This can lead scientists to further understand the dynamic nature of star clusters and how such could make for either a conducive or adverse environment for the birth of planets.
