Gemini Planet Imager First Light!
Gemini Planet Imager’s first light image of Beta Pictoris b, a planet orbiting the star Beta Pictoris. The star, Beta Pictoris, is blocked in this image by a mask so its light doesn’t interfere with the light of the planet. In addition to the image, GPI obtains a spectrum from every pixel element in the field of view to allow scientists to study the planet in great detail. Beta Pictoris b is a giant planet – several times larger than Jupiter – and is approximately ten million years old. These near-infrared images (1.5-1.8 microns) show the planet glowing in infrared light from the heat released in its formation. The bright star Beta Pictoris is hidden behind a mask in the center of the image
Credit:Processing by Christian Marois, NRC Canada.
About the Image
Id: | gemini1401a |
Type: | Observation |
Release date: | Jan. 6, 2014 |
Related releases: | gemini1401 |
Size: | 852 x 667 px |
About the Object
Name: | bet Pic b |
Category: | Exoplanets |
Wallpapers
1024x768
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1280x1024
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1600x1200
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1920x1200
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2048x1536
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Colors & filters
Band | Wave-length | Tele-scope |
---|---|---|
Infrared H | 1.64 μm | Gemini South GPI |