Published , Modified Abstract on Forbidden Planet Orbiting Small Star Challenges Gas Giant Formation Theories Original source
Forbidden Planet Orbiting Small Star Challenges Gas Giant Formation Theories
Introduction
The discovery of a "forbidden" planet orbiting a small star has challenged the current theories of gas giant formation. This planet, named NGTS-1b, is the size of Jupiter but orbits a star only half the size of our sun. This discovery has raised questions about how gas giants form and what factors contribute to their formation.
The Current Theories of Gas Giant Formation
Core Accretion Theory
The current leading theory of gas giant formation is the core accretion theory. This theory suggests that gas giants form from a solid core that accumulates gas from the surrounding disk. The core is formed from the collision and merging of planetesimals, small bodies that form from the dust and gas in the disk. Once the core reaches a certain mass, it begins to attract gas from the surrounding disk, eventually forming a gas giant.
Gravitational Instability Theory
Another theory of gas giant formation is the gravitational instability theory. This theory suggests that gas giants form directly from the collapse of the disk due to gravitational instability. This theory is less widely accepted than the core accretion theory, as it requires specific conditions to occur for gas giants to form.
The Discovery of NGTS-1b
The discovery of NGTS-1b has challenged the current theories of gas giant formation. This planet is the size of Jupiter but orbits a star only half the size of our sun. According to the core accretion theory, a planet of this size should not be able to form around a star this small. The gravitational instability theory also does not explain the formation of NGTS-1b, as it requires specific conditions that are not present in this system.
The Implications of NGTS-1b
The discovery of NGTS-1b has raised questions about the current theories of gas giant formation. It suggests that there may be other factors that contribute to the formation of gas giants, such as the composition of the disk or the distance from the star. Further research is needed to understand the formation of gas giants and the factors that contribute to their formation.
Conclusion
The discovery of NGTS-1b has challenged the current theories of gas giant formation and raised questions about what factors contribute to their formation. Further research is needed to understand the formation of gas giants and the implications of this discovery.
FAQs
1. What is NGTS-1b?
NGTS-1b is a planet the size of Jupiter that orbits a star only half the size of our sun.
2. What are the current theories of gas giant formation?
The current leading theory of gas giant formation is the core accretion theory, which suggests that gas giants form from a solid core that accumulates gas from the surrounding disk. Another theory is the gravitational instability theory, which suggests that gas giants form directly from the collapse of the disk due to gravitational instability.
3. How does NGTS-1b challenge the current theories of gas giant formation?
According to the core accretion theory, a planet of NGTS-1b's size should not be able to form around a star this small. The gravitational instability theory also does not explain the formation of NGTS-1b, as it requires specific conditions that are not present in this system.
4. What factors may contribute to the formation of gas giants?
The discovery of NGTS-1b suggests that there may be other factors that contribute to the formation of gas giants, such as the composition of the disk or the distance from the star.
5. What is the significance of the discovery of NGTS-1b?
The discovery of NGTS-1b has raised questions about the current theories of gas giant formation and the factors that contribute to their formation. Further research is needed to understand the implications of this discovery.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.