FORBES - Using detailed models based on data from the solar system as it is known today, University of California researchers created an alternative solar system. In this theoretical system, they found that if gigantic Jupiter's orbit were to become more eccentric, it would in turn induce big changes in the shape of Earth's orbit.
"If Jupiter's position remained the same, but the shape of its orbit changed, it could actually increase this planet's habitability," said Pam Vervoort, UCR Earth and planetary scientist and lead study author.