Jupiter-Sized Super-Puffs Defy Density, Hint at New Planetary Formation
TL;DR Summary
NASA’s TESS revealed two Jupiter-sized exoplanets orbiting TOI-791, about 1,110 light-years away in the Volans constellation, that are ‘super-puffs’ with densities far lower than cotton candy. They are the lightest known planets for their size, probably hydrogen–helium worlds whose composition will be clarified by Webb Space Telescope follow-up. Formed in gas-rich disks and later stripped down, these rare planets are among fewer than 40 super-puffs out of about 6,300 confirmed exoplanets.
- Astronomers find biggest super-puff planets yet, lighter than cotton candy Los Angeles Times
- NASA’s TESS Mission Reveals the “Puffiest” Planets Ever Found NASA Science (.gov)
- Two 'super-puff' cotton candy exoplanets are the lightest gas giants ever discovered Space
- NASA's TESS Spacecraft Finds Two 'Cotton Candy' Planets In One System Engadget
- Twin ‘super-puff’ planets offer clues to cosmic evolution Financial Times
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