The new planet, named WASP-193b, appears to dwarf Jupiter in size, yet it is a fraction of its density. Image Credit: K. Ivanov
Astronomers have uncovered a remarkable discovery in our Milky Way galaxy: a colossal, ethereal planet encircling a distant star. Detailed in the latest issue of Nature Astronomy, this finding offers a promising clue in unravelling the enigma surrounding the formation of such massive, incredibly lightweight planets.
Astronomers from MIT, the University of Liège in Belgium, and other institutions were part of the team.
Dubbed WASP-193b, this newfound planet eclipses Jupiter in sheer size yet is but a fraction of its density. Researchers determined that this gas giant boasts proportions 50 percent larger than Jupiter’s, yet possesses a density merely a tenth of its counterpart—a strikingly low density akin to that of cotton candy.
WASP-193b stands as the second least massive planet identified thus far, following in the wake of Kepler 51d, a smaller, Neptune-like entity. Its substantial dimensions coupled with its remarkably light density render WASP-193b an anomaly amidst the over 5,400 planets charted to date.
Lead researcher and MIT postdoctoral scholar Khalid Barkaoui said, in a press statement, “The discovery of these massive entities with such minuscule density is exceedingly rare. Within the realm of celestial bodies, there exists a category known as puffy Jupiters, which has puzzled scientists for 15 years. WASP-193b represents an extreme manifestation of this class.”
According to the team of researchers, the planet was extremely light. Its mass, was about 0.14 that of Jupiter. The planet’s density, calculated from its mass, was approximately 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter. For comparison, Jupiter weighs in at around 1.33 grams per cubic centimeter, while Earth boasts a denser 5.51 grams per cubic centimeter. Surprisingly, the new planet’s density aligns closely with that of cotton candy, which measures about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter.
