Oort cloud formation. Computer illustration of the formation of the Oort cloud which is thought to surround the solar system. The Oort cloud is a halo of comet nuclei,small bodies of ice and rock,which extends up to 1.5 light years from the Sun. It is thought to have formed when bodies formed in the inner solar system were expelled by interactions with the outer gas giant planets. This is seen at lower left,three bodies passing an outer planet and being thrown into more distant orbits. It is thought passing stars may disturb the Oort cloud,causing some of the bodies to fall into the inner solar system as comets | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Lunau, Claus |
Taille de l’image : | 3346 px × 3543 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |