Exoplanet Size Simulation (VIDEO)
Caption
A computer simulation of how the distribution of planet sizes changes as planetary systems age. The radius gap is evident at around double Earth's radius -- though it depends on the orbital periods of the planets. Evidence suggests that the gap shifts over time as gas-enveloped mini-Neptune planets lose their atmospheres, leaving behind a solid super-Earth. One planet undergoing this process is highlighted (depicted as a core with an atmosphere), with its change in size plotted on the right.
Credit
Animation by Erik Petigura (UCLA); Simulation by James Owen (Imperial College London)
Usage Restrictions
None
License
Licensed content