LHS 1903

NEWS: Astronomers have discovered a strange planetary system named LHS 1903 that challenges the existing theories of planet formation.

ABOUT

• LHS 1903 is a star system
• Located about 117 light-years from Earth
• The central star is a red dwarf star
• The star is: ~50% as massive as the Sun, ~5% as luminous (very dim compared to Sun)

Why is this strange?

• Traditional planet formation theoryà Rocky planets form closer to the star, gas giants form farther away (where gas & ice are abundant)
• But here: A rocky planet exists beyond gaseous planetsà contradicts standard planetary formation models

Types of Planets in LHS 1903

• Two Rocky Planetsà Classified as Super-Earths= Rocky like Earth but 2–10 times more massive than Earth
• Two Gas Planetsà Classified as Mini-Neptunes=Smaller than Neptune, larger than Earth, thick gaseous atmosphere

CHEOPS (Characterising Exoplanet Satellite):

• Operated by European Space Agency (ESA)
• Purpose: Study exoplanets and their characteristics
• Focus: Size, composition, and orbit of planets