Recently, astronomers have discovered a remarkably light, low-density exoplanet, located 1232 light years from Earth. If you can see the real planet from afar, it will remind you of cotton candy, it is approximately 50% larger than Jupiterbut its density is extremely low, making it a anomaly among known exoplanets. We could start investigating further and that would help us. would give more relevance to the formation of superplanets.
Physical characteristics
WASP-193b has one characteristic that clearly distinguishes it: its exceptionally low density. Although it is a 50% larger than Jupiter, Its density is comparable to that of a sponge or cotton candy (and with density we refer to the amount of mass the planet has in relation to its volume). This makes it the second least dense celestial body known to date. Khalid Barkaoui, astronomer of the University of Liège in Belgiuma, highlighted that its density cannot be reproduced by standard models of giants irradiated gasesnot even under the unrealistic assumption of a coreless structure.
Location and orbit
He exoplanet WASP-193b is located at 1232 light years away from Earth and orbits a star similar to our Sun, known as WASP-193. This planet is much closer to its star than any planet of Solar system is ours. This proximity It allows scientists to study the planet in greater detail, taking advantage of changes in starlight caused by its motion. Observing these changes is crucial to better understand their physical and orbital characteristics.
What relevance does the study have?
The discovery of WASP-193b It is significant for several reasons. First, this already puts to the test the incredible diversity of exoplanets in the universe, when not even even We knew of its existence and much better, of its relationship with its extremely low density. More than five thousand exoplanets discovered till the date, WASP-193b is a favorite of scientists to study it further for its unique characteristics.
Secondly, the low density of WASP-193b It is a very good opportunity to review and possibly reformulate theories about planet formation. The existence of such a thin planet suggests what’s up processes and conditions in the formation of planets that we do not yet fully understand. This can drive new research and studies that delve into these processes.
These types of exoplanets can vary widely in size and compositionfrom rocky planets like Earth to gas giants like Jupiter. Some of these planets are located within the «living area” his starswhere conditions could allow the existence of liquid water and, potentially, life. But this is not the case, the first place to find out It is studying everything in detail. We will continue to inform.
Share science, share knowledge.
