New planets have flattened shapes 'like Smarties' study finds
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Computer models revealed how young planet might look from the top (left) and from the side (right)
When you think of a planet like Earth or Mars, you probably imagine a large, rounded astronomical body.
However, a new study suggests that new-born planets might actually appear very different.
Researchers used computer models to look at how new planets form around stars.
They say they had "always assumed they were spherical" and were surprised to find that they had a similar "flat" shape to the chocolate sweets.
What did scientists find?
For their study, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters, the team investigated the shapes of young planets and how they grow to become gas giants like Jupiter.
Experts at the University of Central Lancashire (Uclan) used computer models to look at the formation of planets.
It's believed to be the first time that scientists have used this technology to study the shape of new-born planets as they form.
Simulation of a young planet forming
Dr Dimitris Stamatellos, from Uclan, said the research showed young planets were spheres that were squashed from both the top and the bottom - but bulging in the middle.
He explained: "We have been studying planet formation for a long time but never before had we thought to check the shape of the planets as they form in the simulations.
He added that the team were "very surprised" that they turned out to be "pretty similar to Smarties" in shape.
Experts added that the findings were important as the results suggest the shape of planets might be different when they're being observed through a telescope, depending on the angle they're being viewed at.