Download Image
About the Image
About the Object
Model of AU Microscopii Disk
This is a so-called scatter model based on the Hubble Space Telescope image of the planetary debris encircling the star AU Microscopii. Though the real disk is tilted nearly edge-on to Earth, this oblique view is from 30 degrees above the disk plane. This model clearly shows a central hole that may have been swept out by an unseen planet. Holes in the centers of young dusty disks are common among stars and are compelling circumstantial evidence for planets.
Related Media
 |
News Release Spitzer and Hubble Capture Evolving Planetary Systems ssc2004-22 |
 |
Image A Distant Solar System ssc2004-22a |
|
Image Planets Point to Dust ssc2004-22b |
|
Image Is There Anybody Home? ssc2004-22c |
|
Image Debris Disks Around Sun-Like Stars AU Microscopii and HD 107146 ssc2004-22d |
|
Image The View from Within AU Microscopii's Disk ssc2004-22e |
 |
Image Model of AU Microscopii Disk ssc2004-22f |
 |
Video A Distant Solar System ssc2004-22v1 |
|
Video The Evolution of a Planet-Forming Disk ssc2004-22v2 |
