VLT image of the Beta Pictoris d exoplanet (IMAGE)
Caption
This image, taken with ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) shows Beta Pictoris d, a new planet found orbiting the star Beta Pictoris. The star is at the centre of the frame, and was subtracted when processing the data, revealing the environment around it. The new planet, indicated with an arrow, is the third one found around this star. The other two are Beta Pictoris b –– the bright source to the left, and Beta Pictoris c, orbiting much closer to the star and not seen here.
The image was taken with the ERIS instrument at the VLT. Based on its infrared brightness and colour, the new planet appears to be a gas giant, about 2.4 times more massive than Jupiter.
The diffuse horizontal band in this image is a debris disc around the star, seen here edge-on, the leftover material of planetary formation.
Credit
ESO/B. Sutlieff, M. Bonse et al.
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator.
License
CC BY