Supercomputer Simulation: How a Disk Galaxy Forms FriendsofNASA.org: How did we get here? We know that we live on a planet orbiting a star orbiting a galaxy, but how did all of this form? Since our universe moves too slowly to watch, faster-moving computer simulations are created to help find out. Specifically, this featured video from the IllustrisTNG collaboration tracks gas from the early universe (redshift 12) until today (redshift 0). As the simulation begins, ambient gas falls into and acc

A dusty disk of leftover material from star formation surrounds a young sun in this animation. Tiny dust grains in the disk can build up layers of ice and other material over thousands of years, and eventually be swept up by forming planets. Credit: NASA-JPL, Robert L. Hurt (Caltech). | Space Telescope Science Institute

49K views · 2.3K reactions | The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) captured imagery of the protoplanetary disk around young star V883 Orionis. Credit : Space.com / ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO) / L. Cieza Edited by Steve Spaleta | Space.com | Facebook

14 reactions | Looking for exoplanets just got a little more complicated. Scientists have often considered the spirals, rings and arcs spotted in debris disks around young stars as signs of new worlds. But NASA Goddard researchers presented a new study at the American Astronomical Society Meeting in Washington that suggests that those patterns might not be as useful a tool as exoplanet hunters hoped. Details here: https://go.nasa.gov/2AQawQL | NASA Universe | Facebook

Hubble’s Inside the Image: Protoplanetary Disks | NASA Goddard FriendsofNASA.org: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured stunning images of protoplanetary disks—dynamic, swirling structures of gas and dust surrounding young stars. In this video, Dr. Padi Boyd takes us on a journey through these remarkable objects, explaining how Hubble's observations are unraveling the mysteries of planet formation and providing a glimpse into the birthplaces of new solar systems. Credit: NASA's Goddard Spac