SPHERE image of the inner disc around AB Aurigae

This image shows the inner region of the disc around the young AB Aurigae star, where ESO’s Very Large Telescope has spotted signs of planet birth. The ‘twist’ (in very bright yellow) marks the spot where a planet may be forming. This twist lies at about the same distance from the AB Aurigae star as Neptune from the Sun. 

The image was obtained with the VLT’s SPHERE instrument in polarised light.

Credit:

ESO/Boccaletti et al.

About the Image

Id:eso2008b
Type:Observation
Release date:20 May 2020, 14:00
Related releases:eso2008
Size:656 x 656 px

About the Object

Name:AB Aurigae
Type:Milky Way : Star : Type : Variable
Constellation:Auriga
Category:Stars

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Coordinates

Position (RA):4 55 45.87
Position (Dec):30° 33' 3.91"
Field of view:0.04 x 0.04 arcminutes
Orientation:North is -0.0° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Infrared
H
1.625 μmVery Large Telescope
SPHERE