Artistic concept of the early WASP-121 disc, the birthplace of WASP-121b (IMAGE)
Caption
This artistic impression depicts the stage at which WASP-121b accumulated most of its gas, as inferred from the latest results. The illustration suggests that the forming planet had cleared its distant orbit of solid pebbles, which stored water as ice. As a result, the gap prevented additional pebbles from reaching the planet. WASP-121b must have subsequently migrated from the cold, outer regions towards the inner disc, where it now orbits near its star.
Credit
T. Müller (MPIA/HdA)
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator. Adaptations must be shared under the same terms.
License
CC BY-SA