Simulations of the observed mass and radius distributions of exoplanets based on a model of planetary growth suggest that sub-Neptune exoplanets, which have radii 2-4 times that of Earth, are likely to be water worlds containing at least 25% water-dominated ices or fluids, rather than gas dwarfs with a rocky core surrounded by a gaseous envelope.
Article #18-12905: "Growth model interpretation of planet size distribution," by Li Zeng et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Li Zeng, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; tel: 617-455-1999; e-mail: lzeng@cfa.harvard.edu
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences