What is another word for protoplanetary disk?
Pronunciation: [pɹˈə͡ʊtə͡ʊplˌanɪtəɹi dˈɪsk] (IPA) 
Protoplanetary disks are the swirling disks of dust and gas that surround young stars. They represent the birthplace of planets and asteroids. Synonyms for the term "protoplanetary disk" include planet-forming disk, circumstellar disk, protostellar disk, and accretion disk. The term protoplanetary disk was first used in the 1970s when astronomers started studying the morphology and composition of these disks in detail. Since then, numerous studies have been conducted to better understand the dynamics of these disks. Protoplanetary disks come in various shapes and sizes, and their properties differ depending on the age and mass of the host star. They're an essential object of study for astronomers interested in understanding the origins of our solar system and the formation of extrasolar planets.
