In a cosmic first, astronomers spot a new planet system being born around an alien star

A telescope image of an infant star system (left) with insets showing molecules condensing into minerals.

For the first time ever, scientists have captured incredible images of an alien star system being born.

The image shows the very earliest moments of planet formation, when hot minerals are just beginning to solidify around a distant star, according to a statement. The researchers published their findings July 16 in the journal Nature.