Thursday, August 10, 2006

Space the Final Frontier, Solar System

Target Name: IRS 46, Mission: Spitzer Space Telescope (SST), Spacecraft: Spitzer Space Telescope (SST), Product Size: 3000 samples x 2400 lines, Produced By: California Institute of Technology.Target Name: IRS 46, Mission: Spitzer Space Telescope (SST), Spacecraft: Spitzer Space Telescope (SST), Product Size: 3000 samples x 2400 lines, Produced By: California Institute of Technology.
Full-Res JPEG: PIA03243.jpg (361.6 kB)

Original Caption Released with Image: This artist's concept illustrates a solar system that is a much younger version of our own. Dusty disks, like the one shown here circling the star, are thought to be the breeding grounds of planets, including rocky ones like Earth.

Astronomers using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope spotted some of the raw ingredients for DNA and protein in one such disk belonging to a star called IRS 46. The ingredients, gaseous precursors to DNA and protein called acetylene and hydrogen cyanide, were detected in the star's inner disk, the region where scientists believe Earth-like planets would be most likely to form.

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

NASA images generally are not copyrighted. Unless otherwise noted, images and video on JPL public web sites (public sites ending with a jpl.nasa.gov address) may be used for any purpose without prior permission. The endorsement of any product or service by Caltech, JPL or NASA must not be claimed or implied

Leave a comment, make a request, Let this small sampling be a guide to better quality, more plentiful, public domain, royalty free, copyright free, high resolution, images, stock photos, jpeg, jpg, free for commercial use, clip art, clipart, clip-art. more at and or and or and or and or and or

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

that is really cool and i enjoyed that tidbit of information

sookietex said...

max, glad you enjoyed, thanks for stopping by.

Post a Comment