Astronomers found a transitioning planet, TIC 241249530 b, with an eccentric orbit, shedding light on hot Jupiter evolution.

Astronomers have discovered a planet, TIC 241249530 b, with an extremely eccentric orbit, providing insights into the evolution of hot Jupiters. Located 1,100 light-years away, this "progenitor" planet is in the process of transitioning from a cold to a hot Jupiter. Its unusual orbit reveals how the extreme gas giants can form, stabilize, and evolve over time.