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Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy: "Comparable to a nice blob of shaving foam"

Astronomers have discovered two enormous planets that are astonishingly light, comparable to cotton candy.

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📍 How it ended

Researchers used NASA's TESS spacecraft to discover two super-puff planets in one system located 1,113 light-years away. These gas giants were described as the biggest super-puff planets yet and lighter than cotton candy.

The story quieted without a definitive conclusion in the coverage.

Epilogue added 11d ago, after coverage quieted.

The brief

Astronomers have identified two super-puff planets that are significantly lighter than expected for their size. These planets, located 1,113 light-years away, are described as having a density similar to cotton candy or shaving foam. Coverage from outlets like ScienceDaily, Los Angeles Times, and Yahoo emphasizes the rarity and unique characteristics of these planets.

The discoveries were made using NASA's TESS spacecraft. IFLScience and Engadget highlight the planets' massive size, comparable to Jupiter, but with masses only 10-20 times that of Earth. Watch for further analysis on the composition and formation of these super-puff planets.

Additional details on the international team involved in the discovery may also emerge.

Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 19d ago.

Quick answers

What are super-puff planets?

Super-puff planets are a type of exoplanet characterized by their extremely low density, making them much lighter than typical gas giants of similar size.

How were these planets discovered?

The planets were discovered using NASA's TESS spacecraft, which is designed to search for exoplanets by monitoring changes in stellar brightness.

Why are these planets significant?

These planets are significant due to their unusual density, which challenges current understanding of planetary formation and composition.

Coverage (14)

Topics

Super-Puff Planets NASA TESS Exoplanets Astronomy Cotton Candy Planets Space Discovery

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