Why do astronomers NOT believe that terrestrial exoplanets with orbits smaller than Mercury's orbit are relics of hot Jupiters in similar orbits?
A) In our solar system, the two kinds of planets formed in different parts of the protoplanetary disk.
B) Observations of transiting hot Jupiters have shown that they are not losing their atmospheres.
C) The two kinds of planets have different compositions.
D) The terrestrial planets have more eccentric orbits than the hot Jupiters.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two kinds of planets have different compositions, indicating they formed through different processes or in different environments. Hot Jupiters are gas giants with compositions vastly different from terrestrial planets, which are rocky.

Why Do Astronomers NOT Believe That Terrestrial Exoplanets with Orbits