Protoplanetary Disks
Protoplanetary disks are rotating circumstellar disks of gas and dust that surround young stars and are the birthplace of planets. These disks are formed from the leftover material that did not form the star and are typically composed of gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) and dust grains (silicates, carbon, and ice). The dust grains in the disk collide and stick together, eventually forming larger and larger bodies that can become planetesimals and eventually planets. Protoplanetary disks can vary in size and mass, with some extending out to hundreds of astronomical units from the central star. They are studied using a variety of techniques, including observations in the infrared, submillimeter, and radio wavelengths, as well as computer simulations. Understanding the properties and evolution of protoplanetary disks is crucial for understanding the formation and diversity of planetary systems.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Airspeed: In aerospace engineering, airspeed is the speed of an aircraft relative to the air. Among the common conventions for qualifying airspeed are 'indicated airspeed' (IAS), 'calibrated airspeed' (CAS), 'true airspeed' (TAS), and 'ground speed' ... Read More >>
- Power MOSFETs: Power MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) are electronic devices that are widely used in space and astronautical engineering applications for their ability to handle high voltage and current levels. They are used in ... Read More >>
- Computer Simulations: Computer simulations refer to the use of computer programs to model or replicate real-world phenomena or systems. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, computer simulations are used extensively to design, test, and optimize ... 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