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Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy: "Comparable to a nice blob of shaving foam"

Astronomers have discovered two Jupiter-sized 'super-puff' exoplanets described as being lighter than cotton candy.

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The brief

Researchers have identified two exoplanets with exceptionally low density, leading them to be categorized as super-puffs. Located 1,113 light-years away, these celestial bodies have masses between 10 and 20 times that of Earth while maintaining a size comparable to Jupiter.

Coverage from outlets including NASA’s TESS spacecraft, Space, and ScienceDaily emphasizes the unusual physical composition of these planets. Reports describe their density as similar to shaving foam or cotton candy, marking them as the lightest gas giants discovered to date.

The international scientific community is monitoring the system following the discovery by the TESS spacecraft. Future research will focus on studying these objects to better understand their atmospheric properties, though coverage does not yet specify the next planned observation dates.

Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 43d ago.

Quick answers

What makes these planets unique?

They are classified as 'super-puffs' due to their extremely low density, which is described as being lighter than cotton candy.

How large are these planets?

The planets are roughly the size of Jupiter, with masses ranging from 10 to 20 times that of Earth.

How far away are these planets?

They are located 1,113 light-years away.

Coverage (13)

Topics

Exoplanets TESS NASA Astronomy Space Science

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