By Karl Tate, Infographics Artist | October 22, 2014 01:00pm ET <\/p>\n
At only 23 million years old, the Beta Pictoris star system is very young compared to Earth's solar system. Beta Pictoris is still undergoing the initial condensation of its planets from smaller bodies, a process called accretion. The system is 63.4 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Pictors, the Painter's Easel. <\/p>\n
Full Story: Hundreds of 'Exocomets' Around Nearby Star Come in Two Flavors <\/p>\n
The spectral signatures of exocomets (comets of another solar system) have been seen approaching Beta Pictoris and disintegrating as their water ice and other volatiles evaporate into space. Researchers say they have discovered two distinct families of comets around Beta Pictoris. <\/p>\n
Hundreds Of Comets Spotted Around Nearby Star | Artist Impression Video <\/p>\n
The exocomets at Beta Pictoris are not the only oddity around the young star. The star is also home the Beta Pictoris b, a huge gas giant planet 10 times the mass of Jupiter that is the fastest spinning alien planet ever known. The planet spins at a rate of about62,000 mph (100,000 km\/h), with a single day on the planet lasting just eight hours. <\/p>\n
Comet Quiz: Test Your Cosmic Knowledge <\/p>\n
Whirling Dervish: Fastest-Spinning Exoplanet Beta Pictoris b Explained (Infographic) <\/p>\n
Photos: Spectacular Comet Views from Earth and Space <\/p>\n
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Alien Comets of Star Beta Pictoris Explained (Infographic)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Karl Tate, Infographics Artist | October 22, 2014 01:00pm ET At only 23 million years old, the Beta Pictoris star system is very young compared to Earth's solar system. Beta Pictoris is still undergoing the initial condensation of its planets from smaller bodies, a process called accretion. Continue reading