This space wallpaper shows the region where carbon monoxide snow has formed around the star. The carbon monoxide is shown here in green, and begins at a distance of more than 30 astronomical units from TW Hydrae. Aside from being necessary for planetary and comet formation, carbon monoxide is needed for the creation of methanol which is a fundamental building block required for life. This image was released July 18, 2013.

Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)