Watch the Astonishing Time-Lapse of a Massive Exoplanet’s 17-Year Orbit Around Its Star
Witnessing the wonders of the universe has never been easier, thanks to a newly released time-lapse video that captures the awe-inspiring journey of a colossal exoplanet. This remarkable footage condenses 17 years of data into a thrilling 10-second clip, allowing us to appreciate the majestic orbit of Beta Pictoris b around its star. So grab your phone and prepare to be astounded.
Beta Pictoris b, located about 63 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Pictor, is truly a behemoth in the realm of exoplanets. With a mass 12 times that of Jupiter, it dwarfs even the largest planet in our solar system. Its star, Beta Pictoris, is 1.75 times the size of the Sun and shines with a luminosity almost nine times greater than our own stellar neighbor. Additionally, at a tender age of only 20-26 million years old, Beta Pictoris b remains a young celestial entity.
The high-definition time-lapse video, derived from real data collected between 2003 and 2020, showcases Beta Pictoris b’s grand orbit at a slightly tilted angle. This comprehensive visual compilation represents approximately 75 percent of the exoplanet’s orbit and currently holds the title for the longest time-lapse of an exoplanet to date.
Astrophysicist Jason Wang, leading the project at Northwestern University, acknowledges the necessity for additional data before witnessing Beta Pictoris b complete an entire orbit. With another six years of observation, we will be granted the rare opportunity to witness this captivating celestial dance in its entirety. Patience truly is key.
Creating this extraordinary time-lapse required methodical analysis and meticulous processing. The initial footage, captured over a five-year period, was enhanced by high school student Malachi Noel, an active participant in Northwestern’s REACH astronomy research program. Utilizing advanced AI image-processing techniques, Noel meticulously evaluated the planet’s data from the Gemini Observatory and the European Southern Observatory. This crucial data processing was followed by Wang’s utilization of an AI technique known as motion interpolation, which effectively filled in the gaps of the exoplanet’s movement, resulting in a seamless and continuous representation of its orbit.
It’s important to note that the black circle and star icon present in the center of the image are designed to subdue the intense glare emitted by Beta Pictoris. Despite this suppression, the star’s luminosity is so overwhelming that it outshines the planet when they draw near. These moments are helpfully indicated by an X, allowing us to trace the exoplanet’s path around its radiant host.
In a world often governed by abstract equations and impersonal graphs, the ability to witness cosmic phenomena with our own eyes is undeniably powerful. The visceral impact of observing this exoplanet’s orbit on screen for a mere 10 seconds can instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for the marvels that exist beyond our planet.
So take a moment out of your day, grab your phone, and delve into the mesmerizing time-lapse video of Beta Pictoris b’s 17-year orbit. Let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the universe and the depths of our scientific discoveries.
