Snapshot 5:Fri, Feb 13, 2026 2:10:05 PM GMT last edited by Vandita

Astronomers Detect 'Inside Out' Planetary System

UnusualAstronomers PlanetDetect System'Inside ChallengesOut' FormationPlanetary TheoriesSystem

Published 6 days ago

Astronomers Detect 'Inside Out' Planetary System

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Image credit: ESA via the University of Birmingham

The Spin

The LHS 1903 system fundamentally overturns established planet -formation theory, with its rocky outer planet defying the snowsnowline line paradigm. Standard models predict that rocky planets form close to stars, where heat vaporizes volatiles, while gas giants emergeform 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.

CNN

Black Hole on X

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.

Space.com

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 50% chance that a crewed spacecraft will enter interstellar space for the first time by 2226, according to the Metaculus prediction community.