Planetary Systems Now Forming in Orion
Explanation:
How do planets form? Astronomers are finding
out by studying one of the most interesting of all astronomical
nebulae known, the
Great
Nebula in Orion.
Insets to
above mosaic
show several
planetary systems in
formation. The bottom left insert shows the relative size of
our own Solar System. The
Orion Nebula
contains many stellar nurseries. These nurseries contain hydrogen
gas, hot young stars,
proplyds, and
stellar jets spewing material at
high speeds. Much of the filamentary structure visible in this
image are actually
shock waves
- fronts where fast moving material encounters slow moving gas.
Some shock waves are visible near one of the bright stars in the
lower left of the picture. The
Orion Nebula
is located in the same spiral arm of
our Galaxy
as is
our Sun.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
