Protoplanets and Exoplanets – Page 7 – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Artist conception of an aurora over the polar region of a brown dwarf.

Astronomers Discover Powerful Aurora Beyond Solar System

Posted on July 29, 2015March 22, 2017

Astronomers have discovered the first aurora ever seen in an object beyond our Solar System. The aurora, similar to the famous “Northern Lights” on Earth, is 10,000 times more powerful than any previously seen.

Illustration of a protoplanetary disk around a young star MWC 480, with molecules in the foreground.

Complex Organic Molecules Discovered in Infant Star System

Posted on April 8, 2015December 11, 2019

Using ALMA, astronomers for the first time have discovered complex organic molecules in a protoplanetary disk.

NRAO’s Top 10 Radio Hits of 2014

Posted on December 29, 2014March 28, 2017

Looking back at the science news released by NRAO in 2014, the staff scientists at NRAO selected what they believed were the top 10 stories based on both scientific impact and public interest.

Artist's impression of collisions in outer solar system

Swarms of Pluto-Size Objects Kick Up Dust around Adolescent Sun-Like Star

Posted on December 11, 2014March 23, 2017

Astronomers using ALMA may have detected Pluto-size objects swarming around a Sun-like star.

Radio image of the protoplanetary disk around young star HL Tau.

Birth of Planets Revealed in Astonishing Detail in ALMA’s ‘Best Image Ever’

Posted on November 6, 2014December 4, 2019

Best image ever of planet formation revealed by ALMA.

Planet-forming Lifeline Discovered in a Binary Star System

Posted on October 29, 2014March 23, 2017

ALMA has detected a streamer of material flowing from a massive outer disk toward the inner reaches of a binary star system.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.