University of Warwick (UoW) astronomers discover unique inside-out planetary system around star LHS 1903

Key facts

• Astronomers from the University of Warwick (UoW) have discovered a unique planetary system around a cool red dwarf star named LHS 1903.
• The discovery was made using the European Space Agency (ESA) CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS).
• The system consists of four planets arranged in an unusual rocky-gaseous-gaseous-rocky order, which challenges traditional planetary formation models.
• The research, published in the journal Science, proposes a theory of inside-out planet formation where planets develop one after another rather than simultaneously.
• The outermost rocky planet in the LHS 1903 system is believed to have formed in a gas-depleted environment after the system ran out of gas required for gaseous atmospheres.
• Scientists from the University of Birmingham contributed to the analysis and confirmation of the planetary system properties.