Protoplanetary Disk
A protoplanetary disk is a rotating circumstellar disk of dense gas and dust surrounding a young newly formed star, where planets are believed to form. The protoplanetary disk is composed of gas and dust, and extends outward from the central star to a radius of several hundred astronomical units (AU). The gas in the disk is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, while the dust is made up of silicates, carbon, and ice. The disk is heated by the central star, causing the gas and dust to emit radiation in the infrared spectrum. Over time, the dust particles in the disk begin to stick together and form larger bodies, eventually leading to the formation of planetesimals and planets.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Orbital Observatory: An Orbital Observatory is a spacecraft designed to observe astronomical objects from outer space. It is equipped with various instruments such as telescopes, cameras, and spectrometers to capture and analyze data from the universe. The spac ... Read More >>
- Orbit Prediction: Orbit prediction is the process of determining the future trajectory of a spacecraft or satellite based on its current position and velocity. This involves using mathematical models and computer simulations to account for various factors th ... Read More >>
- Encryption Algorithms: Encryption algorithms are mathematical procedures used to convert plaintext into ciphertext, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, encryption algorithms are used to secure communi ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06