The Digital Press

This study measures the alignment between the spin of stars and the orbits of their close-in giant planets and a brown dwarf, finding mostly aligned systems. These results support gentle migration histories rather than violent orbital disruptions.

Why it matters: Spin-orbit alignment reveals how planets migrate, informing theories of planetary system formation.

The big picture: Aligned orbits suggest quiet disc migration rather than chaotic events shaping these systems.

Stunning stat: The brown dwarf EPIC 219388192b has a true spin-orbit angle of 25$^{+11}_{-14}$ degrees.

The stakes: Most planets with atmospheric data lack spin-orbit measurements, limiting interpretation of atmospheric studies.