Um, the universe is in the process of giving birth to a new giant planet?! At least that seems to be the consensus according to a group of astronomers in southern Chile. We didn't know this was a thing that happened.

Using one of the world’s most high-powered telescopes, researchers say they were able to obtain some of the first clear images of a planetary embryo starting to take shape around an elder star located roughly 335 light years from Earth.

In its current state, the emerging planet still mostly consists of thick gas and dust, but researchers anticipate that it will grow into a gas giant, not dissimilar to Jupiter. They predict that eventually it will become one of the largest planets in our solar system.

“So far, planet formation has mostly been a topic tackled by computer simulations,” said lead astronomer Sascha Quanz. “If our discovery is indeed a forming planet, then for the first time scientists will be able to study the planet formation process and the interaction of a forming planet and its natal environment empirically at a very early stage.”

Interestingly, astronomers say that the images they have collected so far strongly support the theory that giant planets are manifested through the accumulation of gas and dust over an extended period of time. And no, you will not collect enough gas and dust by laying on the couch all weekend eating potato chips to warrant concerns of a planet embryo sprouting out of your rear end. However, over time you may notice a giant planetary formation protruding over your belt, commonly known as the "Orbital Spare Tire."

More From GuySpeed