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Based on a treasure trove of recent discoveries, astronomers
now know that planets are remarkably plentiful in our galaxy and may be common
throughout the Universe. Though planets appear to form readily, the actual
process of planet formation remains a mystery and astronomers are searching for
the missing pieces to this cosmic puzzle.
An international team of researchers using the new Atacama
Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope has discovered an
intriguing clue that could help explain how rocky planets are able to evolve
out of a swirling disk of dust and gas.