Upside Down Orbits Of Planets In Far Away Solar System Confusing Scientists
The defining characteristic of a far-off solar system is startling scientists. In our solar system, planets complete their orbits around the Sun's equator - horizontally aligning with the Sun during the orbit.
In this strange solar system situated 150 light-years away, scientists found that two planets are in polar orbits. This means that they rise above and dip below the poles of their Sun instead of circling it in a flat line like planets in our solar system. Think of a roller coaster ride - but for planets with a Sun-like star in the centre pulling them inward with its gravity.
Unusual inclinations found in solar system
The star in this solar system is named "HD 3167." Two planets were found orbiting this star in 2016 - roughly the size between Earth and Neptune. A year later, a third planet was found in this system.
The unusual inclinations of two outer planets in this solar system - HD 3167 c and d were testimony enough to the wonders of our universe. But then, there was more.
Also read:?New 'Phase' Of Water Found Inside Planets Recreated On Earth By Scientists
Turns out, while two planets go up and down in their orbit around the star, the third planet - HD 3167 b, orbits its star in a mundane flat orbit, much like Earth. This is highly atypical of solar systems and marks the first time a star system has found showing this behaviour.
The study was published last month in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics and claims that none of these planets appear to be habitable. Undertaken by scientists from the University of Geneva in Switzerland, the scientists were quoted by The New York Times as saying that the planets appear to be going "vertically in the sky" if one were to peek at the system using a telescope.
Also read:?'King Of Storms' In Our Solar System Can Destroy Three Earth-Sized Planets
Are you going to get your telescopes out tonight in hopes of finding the elusive solar system? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of science and technology, keep reading Indiatimes.com.??
Citation
Bourrier, V. (2021, October 1). The Rossiter¨CMcLaughlin effect revolutions: an ultra-short period planet and a warm mini-Neptune on perpendicular orbits | Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A). Astronomy & Astrophysics.?
O¡¯Callaghan, J. (2021, November 6). Star System With Right-Angled Planets Surprises Astronomers. The New York Times.?
