I'd always read that the inner planets of our solar system once had thick atmospheres like the outer planets but they were driven off by the sun early in their development. Now I read about super gas-giant planets that orbit their suns closer than mercury orbits ours. I understand that their size means they have stronger gravity. but at that distance it seems like it couldn't possibly be enough to hang onto a Jupiter-type atmosphere. These planets, by their mere existence, seem to turn existing theory of solar system development on its head this is one more mystery to me.
2006-10-13 00:27:21 · 2 answers · asked by AmigaJoe 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
simply because they are that big
2006-10-13 00:34:38 · answer #1 · answered by FLOYD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it possible that their suns drive off gases (by photon force?) on the bright side but that the strong gravity of the planet pulls it back as it travels to the dark (cold) side?
2006-10-13 01:37:29 · answer #2 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋