Protoplanetary Survivors in Orion
Explanation:
The
Orion Nebula is a nuturing stellar nursery filled with
hot young stars and their natal clouds of gas and dust.
But for
planetary
systems, the active star-forming region can present
a hazardous and inhospitable birthplace.
While the formation of dusty
protoplanetary disks seems
common in Orion, these
Hubble Space Telescope close-up images dramatically reveal
the torturous conditions they must face while trying to grow into
full-fledged planetary systems.
In each case,
a central young star is surrounded by a
disk substantially wider than our solar system.
The disks likely contain material in the process of planet formation.
However, withering ultraviolet radiation from one of Orion's
nearby hot stars is rapidly destroying the disks --
ultimately creating the comet-shaped clouds of glowing gas
seen engulfing the protoplanetary systems.
Planet formation must occur
quickly here, if at all.
Researchers estimate
that about 90 percent of Orion's youngest
protoplanetary disks will not survive the next 100,000 years.
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.
