Meteor magnets! Giant planets may act as a shield for life

Astronomers have uncovered further evidence that planets like Jupiter act as meteor magnets-shielding us from space objects that would otherwise slam into Earth. Questioning if giant planets act as guardians of solar systems elsewhere in the galaxy.

A team of astronomers have discovered two Jupiter-sized planets-150 light-years away from Eart-that could reveal whether life is likely on the smaller planets in other solar systems thanks to the intervention of giant planets acting as meteor magnets.

A mystery object impacts Jupiter in 2016 (NASA)

Stephen Kane, lead study author and UCR associate professor of planetary astrophysics, explains the importance of gas giants acting as meteor magnets: “We believe planets like Jupiter have profoundly impacted the progression of life on Earth. Without them, humans might not be here to have this conversation.

“Understanding how many other stars have planets like Jupiter could be very important for learning about the habitability of planets in those systems.”