They found a squishy planet that looks like cotton candy and is bigger than Jupiter – teach me about science

Astronomers recently discovered a remarkably lightweight and low-density exoplanet 1232 light years from Earth. If you could see the real planet from afar, it would remind you of cotton candy, it is about 50% bigger JupiterBut its density is very low, which makes it a An anomaly among known exoplanets. We can start investigating further and that would help us. It would give more importance to the formation of giant planets.

Physical characteristics

WASP-193b has one characteristic that clearly sets it apart: its exceptionally low density. in spite of 50% larger than Jupiter, Its density is similar to that of a sponge or cotton candy (Density refers to the mass of a planet relative to its size. This makes it the second least dense celestial body known to date. Khaled Al-Barqawi, astronomer University of Liège in BelgiumA, highlight that its density cannot be reproduced by standard models of giants Radioactive gasesNot even under an unrealistic assumption Of a nucleusless structure.

Location and orbit

he The exoplanet WASP-193b is located at 1232 Light-years from Earth and orbits a star similar to our Sun, known as Wasp-193. This planet is much closer to its star than any other planet planet Solar System He is ours. this Proximity It allows scientists to study the planet in greater detail, taking advantage of changes in starlight caused by its motion. Monitoring these changes is crucial to understanding them better Physical and orbital properties.

What is the importance of studying?

Discovery WASP-193b It’s important for several reasons. First, this really puts to the test the amazing diversity of exoplanets in the universe, although it is not equal until We know of their existence, much better, in relation to their very low density. more than Five thousand planets outside the solar system Discover up to date, WASP-193b is a favorite among scientists To study it further for its unique properties.

Second: lack of density WASP-193b It is a very good opportunity to review and perhaps reformulate theories Planet formation. The existence of such a thin planet She suggests What is there Processes And conditions In the formation of planets that we do not yet fully understand. This can lead new research And he studies that Delve into these processes.

These types of exoplanets can vary greatly Size and compositionfrom rocky planets like Earth to gas giants like… Jupiter. Some of these planets are located within…Residential area” for him starsWhere conditions can permit the presence of liquid water and, Possibly, life. But this is not the case, and First place to find out She studies everything in detail. We will continue to inform.