When Astronomers Began Searching for Extrasolar Planets, They Were Surprised

question 99

Multiple Choice

When astronomers began searching for extrasolar planets, they were surprised to discover Jupiter-sized planets much closer than 1 AU from their parent stars.Why is this surprising?

• A) These planets must have formed at larger radii where temperatures were cooler and then migrated inward, which is thought to be a rare phenomenon.
• B) Jupiter-sized, rocky planets were thought to be uncommon in other solar systems.
• C) These planets must be the remnants of failed stars.
• D) Earth-like planets must be rarer than Jupiter-sized planets in other solar systems.
• E) Jupiter-sized planets so close to the star are common and difficult to explain in our Solar System.

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