Scientists Discover Gigantic Planet with a Texture Resembling Cotton Candy
Located 1,232 light-years away, WASP-193b is an exoplanet or extrasolar planet nearly 50 percent larger than Jupiter. Surprisingly, its density is comparable to that of cotton candy, being just over 1 percent of Earth’s density. Described as an “absolute dandelion puff-ball of a world,” it’s one of the most peculiar discoveries in the galaxy.
Unraveling the Enigma of WASP-193b: Insights into Exoplanetary Evolution
Exoplanets like WASP-193b are rare but essential for understanding planetary evolution, notes astronomer Khalid Barkaoui of the University of Liège, Belgium, leading an international team. Despite being larger than Jupiter, WASP-193b is the second least dense planet discovered, following Kepler-51d, indicating a significant anomaly in the realm of exoplanet research.
Barkaoui emphasizes that “WASP-193b’s extremely low density challenges conventional models of irradiated gas giants.” This anomaly, observed among over five thousand known exoplanets, prompts a reevaluation of existing scientific frameworks, shedding light on the complexities of planetary composition and formation.
Exploring the diverse array of celestial bodies beyond our Solar System not only helps us understand our own planetary neighborhood but also provides insight into the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
Gas giants situated close to their parent stars offer a particularly valuable avenue for research, as their presence suggests they formed elsewhere and migrated inward. Moreover, the intense irradiation from their stars often leads to significant shrinkage over time.
WASP-193b, an exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star, orbits closer than our Sun. Despite being similar in mass, radius, temperature, and age, it orbits closer, completing one orbit every 6.25 days. Its low density, akin to cotton candy, presents a challenge for scientists.
“The planet is so light that it’s difficult to think of an analogous, solid-state material,” says planetary scientist Julien de Wit from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“The reason why it’s close to cotton candy is because both are pretty much air. The planet is basically super fluffy.”
Unique Characteristics of WASP-193b
WASP-193b stands out among exoplanets for its rare combination of characteristics. Few other worlds share its comparable density, shedding light on how such fluffy planets might originate. The proximity to its host star plays a crucial role, as the star’s heat can cause the atmosphere to expand, particularly if it’s rich in hydrogen and helium.
However, this unique appearance is temporary. WASP-193b’s resemblance to its current state is expected to last only for a few tens of millions of years, coinciding with the star’s younger and hotter phase. Moreover, the intense heat and stellar winds pose a significant threat to the planet’s tenuous atmosphere, hastening its dissipation.
Transient Nature of WASP-193b’s Appearance
Despite being billions of years old, the observed properties of WASP-193b present a conundrum. While some mechanisms could potentially explain how its atmosphere remains puffed up, existing planetary evolution models fall short in replicating its characteristics. Barkaoui notes that “resolving the mysteries surrounding WASP-193b will necessitate both further observations and theoretical investigations.”
Fortunately, WASP-193b offers an exceptional opportunity for in-depth studies. Its composition and behavior make it an ideal candidate for follow-up research, especially utilizing advanced instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope. Even a single transit observation could provide valuable insights into the enigmatic nature of this ancient, fluffy world, potentially unraveling its secrets and expanding our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.
Read the Original Article: Science Alert
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