Unraveling the Mystery: NASA's Discovery of Shrinking Exoplanets

Researchers using data from the Kepler Space Telescope have discovered that some exoplanets are shrinking due to the loss of their atmospheres, likely caused by radiation from their cores. This finding helps explain the observed size gap in exoplanets and suggests a significant atmospheric loss process different from previously theorized photoevaporation. The study provides evidence supporting the theory of core-powered mass loss, where radiation emitted from a planet's hot core pushes the atmosphere away over time. The research also highlights the ongoing mystery of the missing exoplanets between super-Earths and sub-Neptunes and the need for further investigation.