Researchers have uncovered two enormous, unusually 'puffy' planets orbiting a distant dwarf star, with densities so low they’re lighter than cotton candy, making them some of the puffiest giant planets ever observed.
- TOI-791b and TOI-791c have densities lower than cotton candy
- They orbit a dwarf star in the Volans constellation about 1,110 light years away
- Their gravitational interaction creates precise transit timing variations
What happened
Scientists discovered two enormous planets named TOI-791b and TOI-791c, both about the size of Jupiter but with astonishingly low densities. Compared to Jupiter’s density of 1.33 grams per cubic centimeter, these planets have densities of only 0.038 and 0.047 grams per cubic centimeter respectively, making them remarkably lightweight—lighter even than cotton candy. They orbit a dwarf star in the southern constellation of Volans, roughly 1,110 light years from Earth.
The discovery was made possible through a combination of global telescope observations, including unique continuous measurements from Antarctica, which captured the planets’ extended transits across their star. These long observations allowed scientists to analyze subtle shifts in transit timing caused by gravitational tugs between the two planets, revealing their masses and extraordinary densities.
Why it feels good
Finding two super-puff planets in the same planetary system is exceptionally rare, as only a few super-puffy planets have ever been confirmed. Their existence opens fascinating avenues for astronomers to better understand the diversity of planetary systems and the processes that create such ethereal, low-density worlds.
The discovery also highlights the valuable contributions from citizen scientists through projects like Planet Hunters TESS, who help identify potential exoplanets by examining vast NASA data. These collaborative efforts enhance our knowledge about the universe and spark curiosity about the surprising variety of planets beyond our solar system.
What to enjoy or watch next
Astronomers plan to deepen their study of these super-puff planets using advanced space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope. Future observations will look for key atmospheric elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen to understand the composition and formation mechanisms behind these uniquely fluffy giants.
Meanwhile, enthusiasts can explore other captivating exoplanet discoveries, including gas giants with exotic weather and planets where unusual chemical rains occur. These ongoing revelations continue to transform our picture of planetary possibilities in distant star systems.