NASA | Colliding Comets Hint at Unseen Exoplanet

The video explores the young planetary system around Beta Pictoris, located 63 light years away. It discusses the discovery of a carbon monoxide belt in the system's disk, which is surprising due to the rapid breakdown of carbon monoxide by ultraviolet light. The presence of this gas suggests ongoing comet collisions. The video examines two scenarios: a past collision between icy planets or continuous comet collisions influenced by an undetected planet. Further observations aim to confirm these findings.

What is the approximate age of the Beta Pictoris star system?

• 10 million years

• 20 million years

• 100 million years

• 50 million years

What is the main reason the carbon monoxide gas belt is surprising?

• It is located very close to the star.

• It is much larger than expected.

• Ultraviolet light should destroy it quickly.

• It is composed of rare elements.

How is the carbon monoxide gas in the Beta Pictoris system replenished?

• Through the breakup of icy comets.

• By volcanic activity on nearby planets.

• By solar winds from the star.

• Through chemical reactions in the disk.

What is one possible explanation for the clumping of carbon monoxide gas?

• A collision between two icy planets.

• A nearby supernova explosion.

• Gravitational pull from the star.

• Magnetic fields in the disk.

What role might an undetected planet play in the Beta Pictoris system?

• It might be creating new planets.

• It could be causing solar flares.

• It might be shepherding comets into clumps.

• It could be absorbing ultraviolet light.