TPOD Jan 06, 2011 Another Donut on a Stick

[Nereid]

TPOD Jan 06, 2011 Another Donut on a Stick, by Mel Acheson.

The object discussed in the ESO PR, on which this TPOD seems to be based, is IRAS 13481-6124.

The paper that the ESA PR is based on is Kraus et al. (2010) - link, as usual, is to the arXiv preprint abstract:

A hot compact dust disk around a massive young stellar object

Circumstellar disks are an essential ingredient of the formation of low-mass stars. It is unclear, however, whether the accretion-disk paradigm can also account for the formation of stars more massive than about 10 solar masses, in which strong radiation pressure might halt mass infall. Massive stars may form by stellar merging, although more recent theoretical investigations suggest that the radiative-pressure limit may be overcome by considering more complex, non-spherical infall geometries. Clear observational evidence, such as the detection of compact dusty disks around massive young stellar objects, is needed to identify unambiguously the formation mode of the most massive stars. Here we report near-infrared interferometric observations that spatially resolve the astronomical-unit-scale distribution of hot material around a high-mass (~20 solar masses) young stellar object. The image shows an elongated structure with a size of ~13×19astronomical units, consistent with a disk seen at an inclination angle of ~45°. Using geometric and detailed physical models, we found a radial temperature gradient in the disk, with a dust-free region less than 9.5astronomical units from the star, qualitatively and quantitatively similar to the disks observed in low-mass star formation. Perpendicular to the disk plane we observed a molecular outflow and two bow shocks, indicating that a bipolar outflow emanates from the inner regions of the system.

[Goldminer]

"Kraus wrote . . . " OK, so he did. My point would be: A picture is worth a thousand words!



After studying the Electric Universe paradigm, I'd have to say the picture speaks for itself. But then, I've swallowed a lot of propaganda, haven't I. Perhaps I should turn to Kraus for the truth?

[davesmith_au]

Goldminer, the image you just posted is an "Artist's impression" (read: cartoon). Just so's you know.

Cheers, Dave.

[GaryN]

Cartoon might be a bit harsh, Dave. I think the artist, who probably hasn't the least idea
what he is drawing, is doing his best to interpret images from various sources, supplied by
scientists who couldn't paint a stick figure if they tried.
Many of these images look good to me, and agree with my ideas of what is happening
out there. Of course, the ones that don't agree with my ideas, are rubbish.

[Nereid]

It's also worth noting that the authors of the Nature paper probably were not asked about the artist's impression in the ESO PR (and may not even be aware of it); for all we know they may be furious at it for being so misleading ...

How often are Press Releases - from the likes of NASA and the ESO - written by the astronomers who did the actual work, I wonder?

[davesmith_au]

Yes GaryN, I agree "cartoon" is probably a bit harsh to the artist(s) concerned. The remark was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, hence the brackets. I usually apply such sarcasm only in the most humorous and ridiculous of such "artist impressions" (remember the cupcake black hole some time back?) and certainly don't mean any offense to those whose hard work likely arose from the information they were given to produce it.

How often are Press Releases - from the likes of NASA and the ESO - written by the astronomers who did the actual work, I wonder?

I would venture a guess, likely NEVER.

Cheers, Dave.

[mharratsc]

I find it very interesting that the artist who created this work made the "curcumstellar disk" distinctly toroidal...

[Goldminer]

Goldminer, the image you just posted is an "Artist's impression" (read: cartoon). Just so's you know.

Sitt'n downwind o' the ol' campfire on that one, aye? Must be the creosote log got in there! Never put a creosote log in a fire! Now, I suppose someone will try it!

[Sparky]

- we observed a molecular outflow and two bow shocks, indicating that a bipolar outflow emanates from the inner regions of the system.-

yes, of course...what other conclusion could be derived from such highly scientific speculations?

Clear observational evidence, such as the detection of compact dusty disks around massive young stellar objects, is needed to identify unambiguously the formation mode of the most massive stars.

Yup, that's all that is needed...No need at all of educated observers who interpret using all variables....Yesteryears speculations and assumptions evolving into scientific dogma.

Oh how narrow the view of the most faithful priests of the church of st. consensites....

[Goldminer]

How often are Press Releases - from the likes of NASA and the ESO - written by the astronomers who did the actual work, I wonder?

Yes, and how often are those releases written to subtly imply that NASA and the ESO are the authority with respect to the given subject?

I for one, appreciate creative witty sarcasm from whatever source, directed at whomever. Nice one, Dave!