Giant, Low-Density Planets
Astronomers have identified two enormous planets with remarkably low density. These planets are lighter than cotton candy yet as large as Jupiter. The discovery was made orbiting a star located 1,110 light-years from Earth. George Dransfield from the University of Oxford noted that these super-puff planets have densities similar to freshly dispensed shaving foam.
Observations and Characteristics
The planets might have colors ranging from white to blue, determined by whether their skies are cloudy. Composed predominantly of hydrogen and helium, their chemical makeup is yet to be confirmed through further observations by NASA’s Webb Space Telescope. NASA’s Tess satellite detected these planets, which orbit a star in the Volans constellation, sometimes called the flying fish.
Determining Density
Researchers used Earth-based telescopes to study the orbits of these planets, assessing their density from 1,110 light-years away. One light-year equates to nearly 6 trillion miles or 9.7 trillion kilometers. Jupiter has a density about 35 times greater than these lightweight planets, emphasizing their rarity.
The Rarity of Super-Puffs
These super-puffs are considered uncommon in the universe. They likely form around a star’s gas and dust disc, with an excess of gas over dust. Over time, they lose material and reduce further. According to NASA, there are currently about 6,300 confirmed exoplanets, with fewer than 40 classified as super-puffs.
Dransfield stated that studying rare planetary systems helps scientists understand planet formation and our cosmic placement.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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