Astronomers see sun-like star with possible planet formation

December 15, 2005 | Source: AP

Astronomers have spotted a swirling debris cloud around a sun-like star that may be forming terrestrial planets similar to Earth in a process that could shed light on the birth of the solar system.

The star, located 137 light years away, appears to possess an asteroid belt, a zone where the leftovers of failed planets collide.

Scientists estimate the star is about 30 million years old — about the same age as our sun when terrestrial planets like Earth were nearly formed.