Cosmic river of gas may have tilted a young planet
A new astronomical study suggests that streams of gas falling into triple-star systems can cause planets to orbit at tilted angles. Researchers from the University of Florida used the GW Orionis system to demonstrate how these cosmic streamers disrupt orderly planetary alignment.
Why it matters
This research challenges existing models of planetary formation and helps scientists understand the diversity of orbital orientations in the galaxy.
A stream of gas falling into a triple-star system in the Orion constellation reveals how planets can end up tilted relative to their stars, according to a new astronomical study.
“If these streamers are common, then we can naturally explain why planets may not necessarily end up in very orderly systems. They can have much more random orientations,” said Jaehan Bae , Ph.D., a professor of astronomy at the University of Florida who helped lead the new study.
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