"Unraveling the Mystery of Exoplanet Size Distribution Through Migration"

Scientists have discovered that the absence of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes in space may be due to planetary migration, with some planets moving toward the hearts of their planetary systems early in their lives. This migration could explain the scarcity of planets between 1.6 and 2.2 times the size of Earth, known as the "radius valley." Research suggests that mini-Neptunes migrating inward develop thick water atmospheres, increasing their radii, while super-Earths lose their atmospheres due to intense radiation, causing them to shrink. These findings could have implications for exoplanet science and the potential existence of water worlds with deep oceans.