Large planets lighter than cotton candy
7 hours ago
- #space-discovery
- #exoplanets
- #astronomy
- Astronomers discovered two exceptionally low-density exoplanets, comparable in size to Jupiter but lighter than cotton candy.
- These 'super-puffs' orbit a star 1,110 light-years away in the Volans constellation and have densities likened to shaving foam.
- The planets are likely composed of hydrogen and helium, with potential white or blue coloration, pending confirmation by the Webb Telescope.
- Their orbits are unusually long, taking 139 and 232 days respectively, and they are rare, with fewer than 40 such planets confirmed among nearly 6,300 exoplanets.
- The discovery challenges existing models of planet formation, representing a cosmic puzzle for astronomers to solve.