The majority of known extrasolar planets are either hot Jupiters or hot __________.
A) Earths
B) Neptunes
C) stars
D) Suns
E) Mercurys

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "hot" refers to planets that orbit their star closely, therefore receiving intense heat and radiation. Hot Jupiters are gas giants like Jupiter, but with orbits similar to that of Mercury. Hot Neptunes are smaller gas giants, similar in size to Neptune, but with close orbits like hot Jupiters. While there are some known Earth-sized exoplanets, they are not as numerous as hot Neptunes. Therefore, the majority of known extrasolar planets are either hot Jupiters or hot Neptunes.

The Majority of Known Extrasolar Planets Are Either Hot Jupiters