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. The main image shows part of the Rho Ophiuchi region and a much enlarged close-up infrared view of the Flying Saucer from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope is shown as an insert.
La température de gros grains de poussière situés en périphérie du disque protoplanétaire d’une jeune étoile vient d’être mesurée pour la première fois de manière directe par des astronomes de l’Observatoire astronomique de Strasbourg (CNRS/Unistra), du Laboratoire d’astrophysique de Bordeaux (CNRS/Université de Bordeaux) et de l’Iram (CNRS/MPG/IGN).
