Rotation of the disc in M 17

Position-velocity diagram revealing the rotation of the disc. It is derived from a cut along the major axis of the disc, using the IRAM Plateau de Bure interferometer. For comparison, the theoretically expected position-velocity curve for an edge-on disc around a star of 15 solar masses is shown, the outer part of which (radii larger than about 15,400 AU) is in Keplerian rotation while its inner part is modeled as a rigid rotator.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0416d
Type:Chart
Release date:12 May 2004
Related releases:eso0416
Size:1067 x 598 px

About the Object

Name:Messier 17, Omega Nebula
Type:Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Disk
Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Star Formation
Distance:5500 light years
Category:Nebulae
Stars

Image Formats

Large JPEG
87.1 KB
Screensize JPEG
75.2 KB

Colours & filters

BandTelescope
Millimeter Other