David Rice and Jason Steffen (both Physics and Astronomy), along with collaborator Fred Rasio, conducted . Instability is a hallmark of young planetary systems and its effects are imprinted on the orbital properties of the remaining planets in the system. For decades a number of assumptions have been standard when exploring the consequences of dynamical instability. Rice, a graduate student, and collaborators tested those assumptions and found several long-term effects that were previously unknown. These findings have implications for our understanding of planetary system formation — including the formation of the solar system. Steffen serves as Rice's advisor.
