A planetary collision in the ASASSN-21qj system: giant impact computer simulations animation

An animation of 3D computer hydrodynamic simulations depicts the collision between two ice-giant exoplanets approximately the size of Neptune. The top panel displays the lower hemisphere of the colliding bodies, with a cut through the equator revealing the atmosphere, icy and rocky layers indicated by different colors. In the last frame, green particles within circles represent particles that have bound together and potentially will survive the collision. These particles may eventually form a new planet after a long cooling process. The bottom panel represents the same simulation, with colors representing the energies of the materials involved. The simulation illustrates that the collision could result in the formation of a post-collision structure with a diameter several hundred times that of Earth. This type of simulation could help scientists understand the intricate light curves of the star ASASSN-21qj. Related video: Paper DOI: