ALMA image of the carbon monoxide snow line around TW Hydrae
Credit | ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO) |
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This ALMA image shows the region where carbon monoxide snow has formed around the star. The carbon monoxide is shown here in green, and begins at a distance of more than 30 astronomical units from TW Hydrae. Aside from being necessary for planetary and comet formation, carbon monoxide is needed for the creation of methanol which is a fundamental building block required for life.