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Oort cloud, artwork
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Oort cloud, artwork
Oort cloud. Artwork of the Oort cloud of comet nuclei thought to form a spherical halo around the solar system, with outer (spherical) and inner (toroidal) regions. The Sun and planets are not visible at this scale. The outer edge of the Oort cloud may be up to 100, 000 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, or around 1.5 light years (one AU is the distance from the Earth to the Sun). The Oort cloud comprises billions of comet nuclei, small lumps of rock and ice. Some of these fall into the solar system to become visible as comets. The bright horizontal band is the Kuiper Belt, a disc of asteroid-like bodies in the plane of the solar system
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Media ID 9242259
© MIKKEL JUUL JENSEN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Astrophysical Astrophysics Cometary Glow Kuiper Belt Oort Cloud Outer Solar System Spherical Toroidal Universe Large Scale
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This artwork showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Oort cloud, a mysterious region in our solar system. In this print, we are presented with a stunning illustration that depicts the structure and vastness of this cometary cloud. The Oort cloud is believed to envelop our solar system in a spherical halo, extending up to an astonishing 100,000 astronomical units from the Sun. As we gaze at this image, we are reminded that within this ethereal realm lie billions of comet nuclei - small celestial bodies composed of rock and ice. Occasionally, these enigmatic entities venture into our visible universe as awe-inspiring comets. The absence of the Sun and planets in this artwork allows us to focus solely on the grandeur of the Oort cloud itself. Its outer edge stretches far beyond what our minds can comprehend - approximately 1.5 light years away from us. Moreover, we catch a glimpse of another intriguing feature known as the Kuiper Belt - a horizontal band resembling asteroids situated within our solar system's plane. This adds depth and complexity to an already breathtaking scene. Through this remarkable piece created by Science Photo Library, we are transported into an astronomical region where art meets science. It invites us to ponder upon interstellar space and marvel at its wonders while reminding us how much there is yet to discover about our vast universe.
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