Fact Sheet
Planetary Smackdown
Two large planets slam together in this artist's concept of the birth of a giant planet known as 2M1207B. Astronomers suggest that the impact took place about 100,000 years ago. Instead of shattering, though, the two worlds merged to form a planet that is about as massive as Saturn. It is still hot from the impact. [David A. Aguilar (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)]
|