How Jupiter survived

A new model could explain how giant gas planets like Jupiter can exist.  Planets such as Jupiter are thought to be very common in the Universe. But computational models of planetary system evolution to date have struggled to explain how these gas giants survive beyond the embryonic stage.  According to these models, gas giants should migrate inwards and eventually fall into their host star within about 100,000 years.  Now, new computer simulations indicate that planetary embryos heat their surrounding environments, countering the forces dragging them into their stars.