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 |