Astronomers have discovered two giant planets, lighter than cotton candy, orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away. These “super-puffs” are the size of Jupiter but have densities similar to shaving foam. The planets, likely composed of hydrogen and helium, were detected by NASA’s Tess satellite and studied using Earth-based telescopes. They orbit a star in the constellation Volans. Super-puffs are rare, with fewer than 40 known among nearly 6,300 confirmed exoplanets. Understanding these unusual planets helps scientists learn more about planet formation and our place in the universe.
QUESTION: How might discovering planets with such unique characteristics change our understanding of the universe and our place within it?
Astronomers find biggest super-puff planets yet that are lighter than cotton candy
