HD 61005


HD 61005 is a G8Vk class star in the constellation of Puppis with an associated accretion disk that has helped astronomers understand the process of planetary formation. The particle size and asymmetrical shape of the accretion cloud, have forced a re-evaluation of traditional models of planet formation.

Characteristics

Although HD 61005 is a yellow dwarf like the Sun, HD 61005 is much younger at just 135 million years old, an extremely young age for stars. In this regard, the star retains a protoplanetary disk - the accumulation of the gas-dust matter, forming a planetary system. HD 61005 is located in the Local Bubble - a region with a low concentration of dust clouds.
HD 61005 is 115 light years from earth, has an apparent magnitude of 8.23 and a metallicity of 72.4% of the Sun. It is moving through the interstellar medium at a speed of 27.4 km/s relative to the Sun and is found in the night sky at right ascension 113.94248° and declination -32.20°.

Protoplanetary disk

In 2007, a team of astronomers announced the discovery of a protoplanetary disk around HD 61005. The disk has an unusual shape, which may be due to the influence of the dense regions of the interstellar medium. The researchers also suggest that the passage through these areas can affect the atmosphere of planets that form. The disc diameter and morphologically resembles a butterfly shape, so it was appropriate for the informal name. Analysis of the data did not confirm the presence of planets in the system.