Corey S Powell

A reminder that humans are capable of great acts of wonder when we work together & embrace knowledge.

An international team of astronomers has discovered swarms of cold comets circling 74 nearby stars -- and got clear pictures of these "exocomet belts."

https://www.iac.es/en/outreach/news/astrophysicists-reveal-structure-74-exocomet-belts-orbiting-nearby-stars-landmark-survey #space #science #astronomy #nature

Astrophysicists reveal structure of 74 exocomet belts orbiting nearby stars in landmark survey

The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) and the University of La Laguna (ULL) have collaborated in the research that reveals the structure of 74 exocomet belts, it means, belts with minor bodies outside our solar system, around stars close to us. 

Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias • IAC
Jan 25, 2025 at 1:31amWeb
Show threadChris​‌​‬ Hayes‌​​​Jan 25, 2025
@coreyspowell wow, this is really freaking useful data.
Show threadSu_GJan 25, 2025

@coreyspowell

Absolutely fabulous!🙂

Show threaddhsquared 🇨🇦♾️Jan 25, 2025
@coreyspowell Really oort there!
Show threadNeenah75Jan 25, 2025
@coreyspowell they almost look like red blood cells
Show threadDan 🌻Jan 25, 2025
@coreyspowell what a fine collection of simulated-color butthole pictures
Show threadOliverUvJan 25, 2025

@coreyspowell additional alt text: Image is a five by six grid of images representing the elliptical orbits of comets around stars. Some are seen edge on, some show clear circular formations, and others from other angles.

Some are wide bands, some thin lines, some are two rings with an empty band between. Some are very symmetrical and some a bit messy. One looks like a bright dot with a very faint cloud around it.

The plurality of forms is striking.

Show threadStarravenJan 26, 2025

@coreyspowell

I'm really curious about the star that appears to have a thick double ring of them. What is orbiting in the gap?

Show threadAinsley LowbeerMar 13, 2025
@coreyspowell They look like electron orbitals in a hydrogen atom.