Hubble observations reveal a giant, turbulent planet-forming disk that may reshape theories of how planetary systems develop.

Astronomers working with NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have captured images of the largest protoplanetary disk ever seen surrounding a young star.

Observed in visible light for the first time, the disk appears far more turbulent and disordered than expected, with streamers of material extending much higher above and below the disk than in any comparable system. Even more unusual, the longest filaments appear on only one side.