Cotton Candy Planet" Baffles Scientists: A Fluffy Exoplanet Discovery

May 16, 2024
Cotton Candy Planet" Baffles Scientists: A Fluffy Exoplanet Discovery
  • Astronomers have discovered a new exoplanet, WASP-193b, located 1,232 light-years away.

  • WASP-193b is approximately 50% larger than Jupiter yet has a mass roughly seven times less, giving it an unusually low density.

  • The exoplanet's composition is mainly hydrogen and helium, contributing to its 'cotton candy' like density.

  • This discovery challenges existing models of planetary formation and composition.

  • Researchers plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope for further study of WASP-193b's atmosphere.

  • The finding underscores the vast diversity in planetary compositions and characteristics.

Summary based on 10 sources


Get a daily email with more Science stories

More Stories