What makes the newly discovered planet system unusual?

The system is unusual because it features a rocky planet that formed outside of its gaseous neighbors, defying conventional planet formation theories.

Could the outermost rocky planet in the new system be habitable?

Yes, the outermost rocky planet has temperatures around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), suggesting potential habitability, with future studies planned.

Home / Science / Cosmic Puzzle: 'Inside-Out' Planet System Found

Cosmic Puzzle: 'Inside-Out' Planet System Found

Q: How do astronomers explain the formation of this 'inside-out' system?

Scientists theorize sequential planet formation or a late-stage atmospheric loss event for the outermost rocky planet as possible explanations for this 'inside-out' system.

14 Feb

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Summary

Astronomers found a system with a rocky planet outside gaseous neighbors.
This discovery challenges established theories of planet formation.
The system's outermost planet may be habitable.

Cosmic Puzzle: 'Inside-Out' Planet System Found

Astronomers have identified a peculiar planetary system approximately 117 light-years away, consisting of two rocky and two gaseous planets orbiting a red dwarf star. The arrangement of these planets defies current planet formation models, as a rocky planet has formed in an orbit typically expected for gas giants.

This "inside-out" system, observed using the Cheops space telescope, presents a significant challenge to the paradigm that rocky planets form closer to stars and gas giants farther away. Researchers suspect sequential formation or a late-stage atmospheric loss event for the outermost rocky planet.

Further analysis suggests the outermost rocky planet could be habitable, with temperatures around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). Future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope may reveal more about its conditions and potential habitability.

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