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The Flying Saucer protoplanetary disc around 2MASS J16281370-2431391

Edited European Southern Observatory/Hubble Space Telescope image of the hamburger-shaped star 2MASS J16281370-2431391.

 

Original caption: The young star 2MASS J16281370-2431391 lies in the spectacular Rho Ophiuchi star formation region, about 400 light-years from Earth. It is surrounded by a disc of gas and dust - such discs are called protoplanetary discs as they are the early stages in the creation of planetary systems. This particular disc is seen nearly edge-on, and its appearance in visible light pictures has led to its being nicknamed the Flying Saucer. This close-up infrared view of the Flying Saucer comes from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.

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Uploaded on February 6, 2016