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

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