As part of the new study, scientists conducted simulations. It showed that over time helium will
Over the years of research, astronomers have found thatthe planets were divided into two populations. One group was the size of one and a half Earths, and the other was much larger. There were almost no intermediate objects. This gap between the two populations is known as the "valley radius," and it is a hotly debated question in the field. Scientists believe the answer will help us understand how these and other planets form and evolve over time.
The authors of the new study created modelsbased on existing data about the planets and the laws of physics to understand how heat and radiation will affect planetary atmospheres and whether this is the reason for the appearance of the “radius valley”. They then created 70,000 simulated planets, varying their planets, host star type, and atmospheric temperature. Scientists also modeled what would happen to them over time.
It turned out that after several billion yearsHydrogen in planetary atmospheres likely escapes faster than helium. Over time, this leads to a buildup of helium—modeling suggests helium could make up 40% or more of the atmosphere's mass.
If the theory is correct, helium-rich planetsatmosphere are especially common in parts of the group with a large radius. This is because this gas accumulates as the planet begins to shrink over time and its atmosphere is gradually “removed.”
Thus, two different groups of planets appearedbecause even small amounts of helium and hydrogen create a very plump atmosphere, which increases the radius of the planet, scientists explain. If they have an atmosphere, they will be in a group with a larger radius; if it is not there, in a group with a smaller one.
Read more:
A magnetic storm is about to hit Earth
Created a navigation system that is more accurate than GPS
An ancient amulet rewrote the history of Europe's most mysterious language