Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy: "Comparable to a nice blob of shaving foam"
Astronomers have identified two rare, Jupiter-sized exoplanets with remarkably low densities, often described as lighter than cotton candy.
The story so far
Researchers using the NASA TESS spacecraft have discovered two "super-puff" planets located 1,113 light-years away. These gas giants are characterized by their extreme low density, with masses ranging from 10 to 20 times that of Earth despite their large physical size.
Coverage from outlets including ZME Science, Los Angeles Times, and Space emphasizes the unique physical composition of these bodies, which scientists compare to cotton candy or shaving foam. Observers are looking to future studies to clarify the internal structure of these planets.
Coverage does not yet specify how these "super-puff" worlds formed or whether they will maintain their current density over time.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: unsupported claims removed (83% supported) Updated 40d ago.
The obvious questions
How large are the newly discovered planets?
The planets are described as Jupiter-sized, though their mass is only 10 to 20 times that of Earth.
Where were these planets discovered?
The planets are located 1,113 light-years away and were identified using data from the NASA TESS spacecraft.
Why are they called 'super-puff' planets?
The term refers to their exceptionally low density, which researchers have likened to the texture of cotton candy or shaving foam.
The reporting (13)
- Astronomers Find Two Giant Planets So ‘Fluffy’ They Are Lighter Than Candy Floss ZME Science · 43d ago
- Two ‘Super-Puff’ Planets Lighter Than Candy Candy Discovered by Researchers Good News Network · 43d ago
- Astronomers found two rare super puff planets lighter than cotton candy ScienceDaily · 43d ago
- Astronomers find biggest super-puff planets yet, lighter than cotton candy Los Angeles Times · 43d ago
- Two “Super-Puff Planets” The Size Of Jupiter Have Masses 10-20 Times That Of Earth IFLScience · 46d ago
- 2 'Super-Puff' Planets Lighter Than Cotton Candy Discovered 1,113 Light-Years Away Yahoo · 46d ago
- NASA's TESS Spacecraft Finds Two 'Cotton Candy' Planets In One System Engadget · 46d ago
- 'Super-puff’ planets lighter than candy floss discovered by international team EurekAlert! · 46d ago
- Astronomers find biggest super-puff planets yet that are lighter than cotton candy KCCI · 46d ago
- Two 'super-puff' cotton candy exoplanets are the lightest gas giants ever discovered Yahoo · 46d ago
- Two 'super-puff' cotton candy exoplanets are the lightest gas giants ever discovered Space · 46d ago
- Scientists find two Jupiter-sized planets 'lighter than cotton candy' Euronews.com · 46d ago
- Astronomers find biggest super-puff planets yet that are lighter than cotton candy ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos · 46d ago
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