Snow line distance compared to the Solar System

This image, taken from the ALMA observatory in Chile, shows the region (in green) where carbon monoxide snow has formed around the star TW Hydrae (indicated at centre). The blue circle represents where the orbit of Neptune would be when comparing it to the size of the Solar System. The transition to carbon monoxide ice could also mark the inner boundary of the region where smaller icy bodies like comets and dwarf planets like Pluto and Eris would form.

Credit:

ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)

About the Image

Id:eso1333c
Type:Collage
Release date:18 July 2013, 20:00
Related releases:eso1333
Size:2394 x 2400 px

About the Object

Name:TW Hydrae
Type:Solar System : Star : Circumstellar Material
Distance:180 light years
Category:Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
508.2 KB
Screensize JPEG
87.6 KB