How do we think the "hot Jupiters" around other stars were formed?
A) They formed as gas giants close to the star in the same orbits that they are seen today.
B) They formed as dense, rocky planets close to the star in the same orbits that they are seen today.
C) They formed as gas giants beyond the frost line and then migrated inwards.
D) Many planets were formed around the star but coalesced into a single planet close in.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"Hot Jupiters" are gas giants that orbit very close to their host star. It is unlikely that they could have formed in these close orbits because the temperatures and harsh radiation from the star would prevent the gas from coalescing into a planet. Rather, it is believed that these planets formed farther out in the star system beyond the frost line where there was more gas available for them to accumulate a massive amount of gas. Then, due to gravitational interactions with other planets, they migrated inward towards their star where they reside today.

How Do We Think the "Hot Jupiters" Around Other Stars