Astronomers Detect 'Inside Out' Planetary System

Does LHS 1903 overturn planetary formation theory or simply demonstrate cosmic diversity?

Published 1 day ago

Astronomers Detect 'Inside Out' Planetary System

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Image credit: ESA via the University of Birmingham

The Spin

Narrative A

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

Narrative B

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