News Astronomy

A newly discovered planet renews debate about how some giant worlds form

A violent implosion of gas may have given birth to this young extrasolar orb

illustration of AB Aurigae star

Orbiting far from the young star AB Aurigae, the massive, gassy, still-growing planet AB Aur b (illustrated) is enveloped by gas encircling the star.

NASA, ESA, Joseph Olmsted/STScI

By Allison Gasparini

- More than 2 years ago

A young, massive planet is orbiting in an unusual place in its star system, and it’s leading researchers to revive a long-debated view of how giant planets can form.