Earth-like planets often come with a bodyguard

EarthSky

High Factuality

Super-Earth exoplanets often have giant ‘Jupiter’ bodyguards

Artist’s concept of a planetary system with 2 super-Earths and 1 giant Jupiter-like planet. New computer simulations suggest that such systems may be common. Image via MPIA graphics department.The largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter, has often been credited for helping life to exist on Earth, by deflecting dangerous asteroids from entering the inner solar system and colliding with our world. So what about in other solar systems? Do other…