ALMA image of the carbon monoxide snow line around TW Hydrae

This ALMA image shows the region where carbon monoxide snow has formed around the star. The carbon monoxide is shown here in green, and begins at a distance of more than 30 astronomical units from TW Hydrae. Aside from being necessary for planetary and comet formation, carbon monoxide is needed for the creation of methanol which is a fundamental building block required for life.

Credit

ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)

ENLARGE