ALMA image of dust trap/comet factory around Oph-IRS 48 (annotated)

Annotated image from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) showing the dust trap in the disc that surrounds the system Oph-IRS 48. The dust trap provides a safe haven for the tiny dust particles in the disc, allowing them to clump together and grow to sizes that allow them to survive on their own. The green area is the dust trap, where the bigger particles accumulate. The size of the orbit of Neptune is shown in the upper left corner to show the scale.

Credit:

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

About the Image

Id:eso1325d
Type:Collage
Release date:6 June 2013, 20:00
Related releases:eso2205, eso1325
Size:1156 x 901 px

About the Object

Name:Oph-IRS 48, Ophiuchus
Type:Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Planetary System
Distance:400 light years
Category:Exoplanets
Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
79.7 KB
Screensize JPEG
56.7 KB

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Millimeter
Band 9
450 μmAtacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array
Infrared18 μmVery Large Telescope
VISIR