Young Stars Host Hot Jupiters as Old Ones Feast

Hot Jupiters, gas giants that orbit close to their host stars, are more common around younger stars because they don't live long enough to orbit older ones, according to a new study. The research suggests that hot Jupiters form early or migrate early in a star system's life. Older stars that once had hot Jupiters may have already consumed them. The study provides insights into how these gas giants form and offers a way to test models of planet formation.