The team analysed the effect of this energetic radiation on the pillars: a process known as photoevaporation, when gas is ionised and then disperses away. (sciencedaily.com)
By observing the results of photoevaporation — which included the loss of mass from the pillars — they were able to deduce the culprits. (sciencedaily.com)
Some researchers have proposed that this difference is caused by photoevaporation, which strips planets of their surrounding envelope of so - called volatiles — substances like water and carbon dioxide that have low boiling points — creating smaller - radius planets. (sciencedaily.com)