It’s Time to Start Classifying Exoplanetary Systems

This 2018 artist’s concept shows what the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system may look like, based on available data about the planets’ diameters, masses and distances from the host star (far left). According to a new exoplanet system architecture classification scheme, this system is a "peas in a pod" system. NASA/JPL-Caltech

When an exoplanet is discovered, scientists are quick to describe it and explain its properties. Now, we know of thousands of them, many of which are members of a planetary system, like the well-known TRAPPIST-1 family of planets.

Patterns are starting to emerge in these exoplanetary systems, and in new research, a team of scientists says it’s time to start classifying exoplanet systems rather than just individual planets.

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