Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
Summary
Astronomers discovered two giant planets that are extremely light, with densities lower than cotton candy. These planets orbit a star 1,110 light-years away and are the largest known planets with such low density.Key Facts
- The two planets are called "super-puffs" because they are very large but very light.
- They orbit a star in the southern sky constellation called Volans, or "flying fish."
- The planets have densities similar to shaving foam, much lighter than Jupiter, which is 35 times denser.
- One planet takes 139 days and the other 232 days to circle their star.
- They are likely made mainly of hydrogen and helium gases.
- NASA's TESS satellite detected these planets, and future observations by the Webb Space Telescope will study their composition.
- Super-puffs are rare; fewer than 40 are known among over 6,300 planets found outside our solar system.
- Understanding these planets helps scientists learn how giant planets form in space.
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