Scientists find weird exoplanet that orbits its star in the wrong direction
Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, GJ 3090 b, that orbits its host star in the opposite direction of the star's rotation. This retrograde orbit is highly unusual for a singleton planet and challenges current models of planetary formation.
Why it matters
This discovery forces scientists to rethink how planetary systems evolve and the factors that influence orbital alignment.
"To our great surprise, not only is the planet GJ 3090 b on a highly misaligned orbit, but it also orbits retrogradely, in the opposite direction to the rotation of its star."
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Click for next article An illustration of a rebellious exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star. (Image credit: Robert Lea (created with Canva)) Copy link Reddit Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Scientists have found that a distant world has a real rebellious streak, outwardly defying its red dwarf host star.
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