One of the most widely accepted hypotheses for universe formation involves the idea that the early universe consisted of Hydrogen and Helium gases - and not really much else. Since stars form primarily from dense clouds of Hydrogen and Helium and less than 2% heavy metals, scientists believe that all of the other heavier elements in our universe formed from stars. Current leading theories state that in the early universe, when star formation was only just beginning (and thus heavy elements were not common) rocky planets as we currently know them would not have been able to form, simply because the materials to create them were unavailable. In late 2020, however, astronomers discovered a planet that just might lead to some further questions.
TOI-561 b is a planet classified as a "Super Earth," and is a type of rocky planet orbiting the star TOI-561. It was discovered by TESS using the transit method for discovering exoplanets, and it quickly became an object of interest simply because of how old the star-system is. The TOI-561 system has been around for about 10 billion years, which is much older than the kind of star systems where scientists would expect to find rocky planets. Dr. Lauren Weiss, leader of the team that discovered TOI-561, stated in a press release that "Its existence shows that the universe has been forming rocky planets almost since its inception 14 billion years ago."
Due to the unique location of TOI-561 b in the galactic thick disc of the galaxy, there may perhaps be an explanation for the existence of this rocky planet that fits in with our current theories (though some scientists argue that the galactic thick disc doesn't exist at all). Regardless of if this planet fits in with our existing theories or not, the discovery of such an old rocky planet is surely groundbreaking, and is cause for for further research, and questioning of our current theories.
Works Cited:
Anderson, N. (2021, January 13). Astronomers Discover 10-Billion-Year-Old Multiplanet System. Retrieved January 27, 2021, from http://www.sci-news.com/astronomy/toi-561-multiplanet-system-09247.html
(n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2021, from http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/press-releases/TOI561/
Gough, E. (2021, January 26). One of the Oldest Stars in the Galaxy has a Planet. Rocky Planets Were Forming at Nearly the Beginning of the Universe. Retrieved January 27, 2021, from https://www.universetoday.com/149802/one-of-the-oldest-stars-in-the-galaxy-has-a-planet-rocky-planets-were-forming-at-nearly-the-beginning-of-the-universe/
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