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What is a protoplanetary disk?
Quick Answer
A protoplanetary disk is a rotating disk of gas and dust around a young star where planets can form.
The Full Story
Protoplanetary disks are the birthplaces of planets. Tiny dust grains collide and stick together, growing into pebbles, planetesimals, and eventually larger bodies that can become planets. Observations from telescopes such as ALMA have revealed rings and gaps in disks that may be caused by forming planets. Our own Solar System began in a disk more than 4.5 billion years ago.
Key Facts
1.Planet formation begins in a protoplanetary disk
2.The Solar System formed over 4.5 billion years ago
3.ALMA has imaged disks with gaps and rings
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The dusty disk where planets are born around young stars"
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