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It looked like nothing—then scientists found a world 10x the size of Jupiter

Astronomers have uncovered a massive, hidden exoplanet nestled in the dusty disc of a young star—MP Mus—by combining cutting-edge data from the ALMA observatory and ESA’s Gaia mission. Initially thought to be planet-free, the star’s surrounding disc appeared deceptively empty. But new observations and a telltale stellar “wobble” pointed to a Jupiter-sized gas giant forming within the disc’s obscured gaps. This marks the first time a planet in such a disc has been detected using these tools, opening the door to finding more young worlds that have so far evaded detection.

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