Disc Around Massive Baby Star (IMAGE) ESO Caption Astronomers have been able to obtain the first image of a dusty disc closely encircling a massive baby star, providing direct evidence that massive stars do form in the same way as their smaller brethren -- and closing an enduring debate. The flared disc extends to about 130 times the Earth–Sun distance -- or astronomical units -- and has a mass similar to that of the star, roughly 20 times the Sun. In addition, the inner parts of the disc are shown to be devoid of dust. Credit ESO/L. Calçada Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.