Circumstellar Disks
Circumstellar disks are rotating disks of gas and dust that surround young stars. These disks form from the leftover material that did not become part of the star during its formation. Over time, the particles in the disk can collide and stick together, leading to the formation of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
The study of circumstellar disks is crucial for understanding the process of planetary formation. Many disks are observed around stars like the Sun and are often detected in various wavelengths, including infrared and radio. These observations help astronomers learn about the composition and dynamics of the material within the disks.