The Flying Saucer protoplanetary disc around 2MASS J16281370-2431391

The young star 2MASS J16281370-2431391 lies in the spectacular Rho Ophiuchi star formation region, about 400 light-years from Earth. It is surrounded by a disc of gas and dust — such discs are called protoplanetary discs as they are the early stages in the creation of planetary systems. This particular disc is seen nearly edge-on, and its appearance in visible light pictures has led to its being nicknamed the Flying Saucer.

This close-up infrared view of the Flying Saucer comes from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.

Credit:

ESO/NASA/ESA

About the Image

Id:eso1604b
Type:Observation
Release date:3 February 2016, 12:00
Related releases:eso1604
Size:402 x 383 px

About the Object

Name:2MASS J16281370-2431391
Type:Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Disk : Protoplanetary
Constellation:Ophiuchus
Category:Stars

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Coordinates

Position (RA):16 28 13.47
Position (Dec):-24° 31' 38.73"
Field of view:0.33 x 0.32 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 46.3° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Infrared
YJ
1.1 μmHubble Space Telescope
Infrared
H
1.6 μmHubble Space Telescope
Infrared2.05 μmHubble Space Telescope