Astronomers Discovered a Forbidden Planet But Have No idea Why It Exists

BRIGHT SIDE2 minutes read

Several unique exoplanets, such as NGTS-4b, Kepler-78b, and HD 106906 b, challenge current theories of planetary formation due to their unusual characteristics and orbits, leaving their origins shrouded in mystery despite proposed explanations. Additionally, the potential existence of a ninth planet, Planet X, in our solar system further complicates current understanding of planetary systems, with evidence suggesting its presence but no definitive confirmation.

Insights

  • NGTS-4b, despite its size, defies expectations by maintaining its atmosphere against intense radiation and completing an orbit around its star in just 1.3 days.
  • The existence of enigmatic planets like Kepler-78b, HD 106906 b, and the possible Planet X in our solar system challenges established planetary formation theories, leaving their origins shrouded in mystery and prompting the exploration of new hypotheses.

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Recent questions

  • What is NGTS-4b and where was it discovered?

    NGTS-4b is a sub-Neptune sized planet found in a "Neptunian Desert" by the Next-Generation Transit Survey in Chile. This planet's discovery is significant as it challenges existing theories about planetary formation and the conditions required for a planet to survive in such harsh environments.

  • How does NGTS-4b's atmosphere withstand its star's radiation?

    Despite the intense radiation from its star, NGTS-4b's atmosphere remains intact. This phenomenon is intriguing to scientists as it defies conventional understanding of how planets interact with their host stars and raises questions about the planet's composition and structure.

  • What makes NGTS-1b a unique discovery in the realm of exoplanets?

    NGTS-1b is a hot-gas giant similar in size to Jupiter that orbits a red dwarf star half the size of the Sun. This discovery challenges existing theories about planetary formation and the relationship between planets and their host stars, providing valuable insights into the diversity of exoplanetary systems.

  • How does Kepler-78b defy conventional understanding of planetary formation?

    Kepler-78b, slightly larger than Earth, orbits its star at a distance less than 1.5 times the star's diameter, a configuration that goes against traditional models of planetary formation. This discovery raises questions about the mechanisms that govern the formation and evolution of planets in our universe.

  • What is the significance of the possible ninth planet, Planet X, in our solar system?

    Evidence suggests the existence of a ninth planet, Planet X, located 40 to 140 billion miles from the Sun. This discovery challenges current theories of planetary formation and the structure of our solar system, prompting scientists to reconsider our understanding of the dynamics at play in the outer reaches of our cosmic neighborhood.

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Summary

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Mysterious Planets Challenge Existing Theories

  • NGTS-4b, discovered by the Next-Generation Transit Survey in Chile, is a sub-Neptune sized planet in a "Neptunian Desert".
  • NGTS-4b's atmosphere remains intact despite the harsh radiation from its star, and it orbits the star every 1.3 days.
  • NGTS-1b, a hot-gas giant similar in size to Jupiter, orbits a red dwarf star half the size of the Sun, a unique discovery challenging existing theories.
  • Kepler-78b, slightly larger than Earth, orbits its star at a distance less than 1.5 times the star's diameter, defying conventional understanding of planetary formation.
  • HD 106906 b, nicknamed "Bob," is a massive planet orbiting two stars at a distance of 69 billion miles, a puzzling occurrence in a young system.
  • Evidence suggests a possible ninth planet, Planet X, in our solar system, located 40 to 140 billion miles from the Sun, challenging current planetary formation theories.
  • The origin of these impossible planets, including NGTS-4b, Kepler-78b, and HD 106906 b, remains a mystery, with various theories proposed but none deemed highly probable.
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