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 distance of the star Beta Pictoris from Earth?

Describe the significance of the carbon monoxide gas found in the disk around Beta Pictoris.

What evidence suggests that the clumps of carbon monoxide may be the result of a collision?

What are the two possible scenarios proposed for the presence of carbon monoxide in the disk?

How does the presence of a second planet affect the dynamics of the comets in the Beta Pictoris system?