New Insights into FU Orionis: A Young Star’s Extreme Conditions and Planet Formation Challenges

A groundbreaking study using Hubble Space Telescope data reveals that FU Orionis, a young star 1,360 light-years away, exhibits extreme temperatures of approximately 16,000 Kelvin. This discovery raises critical questions about rocky planet formation in such harsh conditions. Researchers highlight the star’s rapidly spinning accretion disk, which creates intense heat and instability, complicating the development of Earth-like planets. These findings not only enhance our understanding of stellar evolution but also illuminate the intricate processes governing planet formation in the universe.