Researchers have identified two exceptionally low-density planets, each bigger than Jupiter, orbiting a distant dwarf star about 1,110 light years from Earth. These ‘super-puff’ worlds are lighter than cotton candy, making them some of the puffiest planets ever observed.
- Planets are as large as Jupiter but far less dense than cotton candy.
- Orbiting a dwarf star in the constellation Volans, 1,110 light years away.
- Found with help from citizen scientists and telescopes worldwide, including Antarctica.
What happened
Scientists studying a dwarf star in the southern constellation Volans uncovered two giant planets with extraordinarily low densities. Named TOI-791b and TOI-791c, these worlds match Jupiter in size but weigh far less, with densities 28 to 35 times lower. This defies typical expectations for gas giants and places them among the puffiest planets known.
Their discovery was aided by citizen-science volunteers scanning NASA data and observations from telescopes globally, including a unique Antarctic telescope able to record lengthy planetary transits thanks to months of uninterrupted darkness. These long transits provided critical data to measure their size and mass accurately.
Why it feels good
Finding such unusual ‘super-puff’ planets enhances our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own. Their rare low-density nature makes them ideal subjects for studying how different environments and conditions influence planet formation and evolution, adding depth to our cosmic knowledge.
Moreover, the teamwork combining global observatories and citizen involvement highlights the growing power of collaboration in modern astronomy. It’s encouraging to see diverse groups contributing to groundbreaking discoveries, bringing us closer to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.
What to enjoy or watch next
Researchers plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate these super-puff planets’ atmospheres in detail. By identifying key elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, they hope to better understand what gives these planets their incredibly light and fluffy characteristics.
Meanwhile, astronomy enthusiasts can look forward to more discoveries from ongoing sky surveys and citizen science projects. These exciting efforts continue to reveal surprising and beautiful cosmic phenomena, reminding us that the universe is full of wonders yet to be explored.