Cotton Candy Planet" Baffles Scientists: A Fluffy Exoplanet Discovery
May 16, 2024Astronomers 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
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Sources
Yahoo News • May 15, 2024
Researchers find 'fluffy oddball' of a planet with a composition similar to cotton candyFox News • May 15, 2024
Scientists discover large, 'cotton candy-like' planet with unusually low densityNewsweek • May 14, 2024
'A Real Anomaly': Astronomers Spot Planet With the Density of Cotton CandySpace • May 15, 2024
Cotton candy exoplanet is 2nd lightest planet ever found