Spitzer Telescope Finds Hidden Jet
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NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope took this image of a baby star sprouting two identical jets. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Recently, NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope detected twin jets in a system called Herbig-Haro 34. The detected jets are composed of gas and dust, sent outward from the region around the star. Astronomers were able to study the spacing and speed of the jets and determine that the jet to the right of the star expelled material nearly five years after its counterpart.
New studies also show that the area the jets originate from is roughly spherical, with a radius of about three astronomical units (1 AU is the distance between Earth and the Sun). Past studies revealed that the jet making zone may have been up to ten times larger. In the image, the gas and dust is seen as “wispy” material. Bow shocks can be seen near the ends of each jet.
The jets in Herbig-Haro 34 jets are located about 1,400 light-years away in the constellation Orion.
Source:NASA Image of the Day Gallery
Ray Sanders is a Sci-Fi geek, astronomer and blogger. Currently researching variable stars at Arizona State University, he writes for Universe Today, The Planetary Society blog, and his own blog, Dear Astronomer
2012-12-04 08:07:43
Source: http://www.dearastronomer.com/2012/05/07/spitzer-telescope-finds-hidden-jet/
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