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Protoplanetary disc disrupted by O-star
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Protoplanetary disc disrupted by O-star
Protoplanetary disc disrupted by O-star. Artwork of the energetic solar wind from an O-star (upper right), a hot type of star, disrupting the formation of a protoplanetary disc (centre) around its parent star. If the star at centre remains in the " danger zone" near the O-star, planets (and life) will be unable to form. It is thought our Sun was in such an area, but its motion relative to the O-star brought it to safety. This artwork is based upon observations (in infrared) by the Spitzer Space Telescope (SST) of this type of disruption. The observations were made of five O-stars in the Rosette Nebula. For the area containing the O-stars, see image C001/1954
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6304061
© NASA/JPL-CALTECH/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Astrophysical Astrophysics Blowing Danger Dangerous Destroying Destruction Formation Forming Hazard Hazardous Infra Red Life Lifeless Monoceros Origin Planetary System Protoplanetary Disc Spitzer Space Telescope Star Star Birth Stellar Evolution Universe Young Rosette Nebula Stellar Wind Uninhabitable
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork depicts the destructive power of an O-star's energetic solar wind on a protoplanetary disc, disrupting the formation of planets and potentially preventing the emergence of life. The intense radiation emitted by the O-star, visible in the upper right corner, blasts through space, creating a hazardous environment for planet formation. In the center of the image lies a swirling protoplanetary disc surrounding its parent star. This disc is crucial for planetary birth as it contains all the necessary materials to form new worlds. However, if this star remains within close proximity to the dangerous O-star, any hopes for planet formation are dashed. Interestingly, our own Sun may have once found itself in such perilous conditions but managed to escape due to its motion relative to nearby O-stars. This realization adds another layer of appreciation for our existence and highlights how delicate and rare habitable environments can be. Based on infrared observations made by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope (SST), this artwork captures one instance among five O-stars located in the Rosette Nebula where these disruptive forces are at play. It serves as a reminder that even amidst breathtaking beauty and celestial wonders lie unseen dangers that shape our understanding of stellar evolution and planetary systems. Through this thought-provoking illustration, we gain insight into both destruction and creation within our vast universe – reminding us that while some regions remain uninhabitable wastelands devoid of life's potential, others hold promise for future discoveries yet to come.
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