The Local Volume Mapper (LVM) project, part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), has initiated a new era in galactic research. Utilizing advanced telescopes at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, the LVM aims to map the Milky Way's interstellar gas and dust, crucial for understanding galactic evolution. Dr. Niv Drory, LVM Program Head, emphasized the importance of interstellar material in the formation of new stars and planets. With robotic survey operations starting in late 2023, the initiative will allow for unprecedented data collection, with the initial public release expected in summer 2025.
In parallel, a study led by the University of Geneva has revealed a unique planetary system, WASP-132, challenging existing theories of Hot Jupiter formation. This system includes a Hot Jupiter, an inner Super-Earth, and an outer giant planet, suggesting a more complex migration process than previously understood. François Bouchy, co-author of the study, noted that the discovery provides new insights into the dynamics of multi-planetary systems. The findings, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, highlight the need for long-term observations to enhance our understanding of planet formation.