Planets shepherding material into a narrow ring around Fomalhaut
Particles in the dust ring are kept inside the ring by gravitational interactions with planets. The faster-moving inner planet transfers energy to dust particles, moving them outward, deeper into the ring. The slower-moving outer planet removes energy from the particles, causing them to drop inward.
Credit:ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/B. Saxton
About the Image
| Id: | eso1216d |
| Type: | Artwork |
| Release date: | 12 April 2012, 15:00 |
| Related releases: | eso1216 |
| Size: | 3000 x 2000 px |
About the Object
| Name: | Fomalhaut |
| Type: | • Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Disk : Protoplanetary |
| Distance: | 25 light years |
| Category: | • Stars |
Wallpapers
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