Larger than Jupiter but surprisingly light, astronomers have found an amazing exoplanet that has been dubbed “cotton candy-like.” Comparing this planet, WASP-193b, to the gas giants in our solar system—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—its density is remarkably low.
Super Fluffy Planet
WASP-193b is “super fluffy” according to lead scientist Khalid Barkaoui of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) since it is mostly made up of light gases like helium and hydrogen rather than solids. For a world of size, its unusual composition leads to a very low density.
Studying an Ideal Subject
Of all the planets known, WASP-193b is particularly anomalous. This just found exoplanet is remarkably light, even though the gas giants in our solar system are far denser. Studying atypical planetary creation and evolution processes is made possible by its peculiarities.
Compilation and Verification
While the existence of WASP-193b was verified last year, it needed more time and work to ascertain its composition by ground-based telescopic studies. The research, which was written up in Nature Astronomy, verifies that helium and hydrogen make up the majority of the planet.
Far-Off Finding
Some 1,200 light-years separate WASP-193b from Earth. A light-year, or 5.8 trillion miles, puts this distance into perspective. Size and mass-wise, WASP-193b is the second-lightest exoplanet that has been found thus far. This finding questions accepted ideas of planetary origin and structure in addition to extending our knowledge of planetary variety.
Views into the Diversity of Planets
Astronomers are given a great chance to investigate and comprehend the vast range of planetary systems that exist in our universe by this “cotton candy-like” planet’s low density and unusual composition. WASP-193b study may provide fresh light on the mechanisms underlying the creation of such remarkable planetary bodies.
All things considered, the finding of WASP-193b, a highly fluffy and light planet bigger than Jupiter, emphasizes the amazing variety of planets in our cosmos and creates new opportunities for studying planetary formation and composition.