Abstract

The ALMA submillimeter interferometer and the latest generation of infrared high-contrast imagers have revolutionized our understanding of planet formation over the past decade. Protoplanetary disks have now been imaged in remarkable detail, revealing a wealth of structures—including cavities, annular gaps, spiral arms, shadows, and asymmetries. To link these features to forming planets and place stringent constraints on planet formation theories, we need to directly image and characterize newborn planets within these disks. I will first outline the challenges involved in this endeavor, then focus on insights gained from the discovery and follow-up of the first directly imaged protoplanets, PDS  70 b and c. I will present the latest results obtained with JWST and review recent advances in the search for additional protoplanets. Finally, I will discuss the prospects offered by the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope and its METIS mid-infrared instrument for studies of planet formation and direct exoplanet imaging.