Scientists have found a weird 'inside out' planetary system. Here's what it looks like
SPACE.COM6 days
The LHS 1903 system fundamentally overturns established planet formation theory with its rocky outer planet defying the snow line paradigm. Standard models predict rocky planets form close to stars where heat vaporizes volatiles, while gas giants emerge beyond the snow line where ice accumulation enables rapid core growth. This discovery proves planets can form sequentially outward in gas-depleted environments, challenging decades of astronomical consensus.
The LHS 1903 system's unusual arrangement doesn't overturn planet formation theory but rather demonstrates the diversity of planetary evolution around different stellar types. Traditional models remain valid for most systems including our solar system, where rocky planets orbit close and gas giants farther out. This single anomaly around a cool M-dwarf simply expands understanding of formation pathways.
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