Astronomer finds gas giant exoplanets formed earlier than previously thought

New research from Ohio State University shows Jupiter-like exoplanets form in just 1-2 million years, not 3-5 million as previously thought. The study of seven gas giant exoplanets found they accreted an average of 50 Earth masses of solids, suggesting planets form when protoplanetary disks are younger and more massive. These findings challenge existing theories of planet formation and may revise our understanding of solar system evolution.