New Theory Explains Why So Many Exoplanets Crowd Close to Their Stars

The observed exoplanet population contains a large number of solar systems where multiple exoplanets follow short orbital periods. The most well-known example of a compact solar system is the TRAPPIST-1 system. There are many others, and exoplanet scientists are trying to understand how they form. Scientists at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) may have figured it out.

Jun 24, 2025 - 22:40
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New Theory Explains Why So Many Exoplanets Crowd Close to Their Stars

The TRAPPIST-1 system (not to scale) is the most well-known compact solar system. These systems have multiple planets following short orbital periods. Their formation has been a puzzle, but scientists may have figured it out. Image Credit: NASA

The observed exoplanet population contains a large number of solar systems where multiple exoplanets follow short orbital periods. The most well-known example of a compact solar system is the TRAPPIST-1 system. There are many others, and exoplanet scientists are trying to understand how they form. Scientists at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) may have figured it out.