K2-33b, One of the Youngest Exoplanets Detected to Date (IMAGE)

U.S. National Science Foundation

K2-33b, One of the Youngest Exoplanets Detected to Date

Caption

K2-33b, shown in this illustration, is one of the youngest exoplanets detected to date and makes a complete orbit around its star in about five days. These two characteristics combined provide exciting new directions for planet-formation theories. K2-33b could have formed on a farther out orbit and quickly migrated inward. Alternatively, it could have formed in situ, or in place.

Credit

NASA/JPL-Caltech/R. Hurt

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