Exploring solar system origins via distant protostars

Yoko Oya

Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics

Over a long period of time, hierarchical structures have developed in the universe: galaxies, stars, and planetary systems (including our own). The history of structure formation in the universe is also the history of material evolution. A comprehensive understanding of these processes from physical and chemical perspectives is the key to answering the fundamental question, “How was our solar system born?” Using radio telescopes, I observe stars and planetary systems hundreds of light-years away from the earth to study what happens when planetary systems form and the kind of materials present. By observing distant star formation, I infer the state of our newborn solar system 4.6 billion years ago, continually approaching the great mystery of our solar system’s origins.