ALMA image of comet factory around Oph-IRS 48

This image from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) shows the dust trap in the disc that surrounds the system Oph-IRS 48. The high asymmetry of the dust emission between the southern and northern part of the disc (at least a factor of 130) is indicative of the presence of such a dust trap. The dust trap provides a safe haven for tiny particles in the disc, allowing them to clump together and grow to sizes that allow them to survive on their own.

Credit:

ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/Nienke van der Marel

About the Image

Id:eso1325b
Type:Observation
Release date:6 June 2013, 20:00
Related releases:eso2205, eso1325
Size:1156 x 901 px

About the Object

Name:Oph-IRS 48
Type:Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Disk
Distance:400 light years
Category:Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
31.4 KB
Screensize JPEG
23.3 KB

Zoomable


Wallpapers

1024x768
26.9 KB
1280x1024
36.3 KB
1600x1200
47.2 KB
1920x1200
56.5 KB
2048x1536
68.3 KB

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Millimeter
Band 9
450 μmAtacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array