Distant star sheds light on the birth of planets

Astronomers poring over a young star 180 light years from Earth have found evidence that stellar birth can lead to the formation of a planet only millions of years later, a mere blink on the cosmic timescale.

The mainstream theory is that planets are forged from a disc of gas and dusty debris that is left over from the creation of a star.

How long this process takes is a matter of debate, though.

Earth is believed to be about 4.5 billion years old, and the Sun around 100 million years older.