Spitzer telescope spots asteroid belt

Posted on Thursday, April 21 2005 @ 20:33 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

NASA's Spitzer infrared telescope found a star 41 light-years from Earth with what appears to be a belt of asteroids orbiting the star. Scientists say this it the first time such a band of rocky material has been found around a star of similar age and size to our Sun.

The alien girdle is quite close to its star, known as HD69830, and is much thicker than the asteroid belt seen between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

The scientists hope to use the Spitzer data to learn about planet formation.

More info about the found at BBC

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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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