Summary: Astronomers have made a startling discovery: a planet 50% larger than Jupiter that defies conventional expectations of density. Dubbed WASP-193b, this enigmatic gas giant possesses a density comparable to cotton candy, presenting a cosmic mystery that challenges existing models of planetary formation.
In a revelation that has left astronomers bewildered, a newly discovered exoplanet named WASP-193b has defied conventional understanding by boasting a density akin to cotton candy. This gas giant, located approximately 1,181 light years away from Earth, has confounded scientists with its seemingly paradoxical properties.
The planet’s astonishingly low density, approximately 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter, or 3.68 pounds per cubic foot, places it in a class of its own among celestial bodies. To put this into perspective, WASP-193b is seven times less dense than Jupiter and possesses a density one percent lower than Earth.
Commenting on the discovery, study co-author Julien de Wit, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, likened WASP-193b to “super fluffy” due to its composition, which is predominantly air. This extraordinary characteristic challenges traditional notions of planetary structure and calls into question existing models of planetary formation.
Further adding to the mystery, WASP-193b orbits its star, similar in size to our Sun, once every 6.2 days, maintaining a distance approximately seven percent that of Earth’s distance from the Sun.
Khalid Barkaoui, an exoplanet researcher at the University of Liege’s EXOTIC Laboratory in Belgium and a co-author of the study, described WASP-193b as a “cosmic anomaly” due to its unparalleled density. Despite extensive research, scientists have yet to fully comprehend the mechanisms responsible for its unique characteristics.
The discovery of WASP-193b underscores the vast complexity of the universe and highlights the ongoing quest to unravel its mysteries. As astronomers strive to unlock the secrets of this enigmatic planet, the search for understanding continues, driven by the relentless curiosity of humanity.
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