TRAPPIST-1 compact system (IMAGE)

Southwest Research Institute

TRAPPIST-1 compact system

Caption

Southwest Research Institute scientists have developed a new model that explains the formation of compact exoplanetary systems, such as TRAPPIST-1, that contain multiple rocky planets in very tight orbits around their star. In contrast, our solar system is much more expansive and has no planets inside the orbit of Mercury. 

Credit

NASA/JPL-Caltech

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