A rotating disk of gas, dust, and plasma spirals inward around a massive central body, such as a black hole or young star. This cosmic structure heats up through friction, emitting intense radiation. Astronomers use it to study star formation and galactic evolution, while astrophysicists benefit by testing theories of gravity and high-energy physics.
Get alerts when this topic surges in newsletters. Free to start.
Sign up freeExplore more trends:Trending Topics ·AI Trends ·Business Trends ·Finance Trends ·Technology Trends