Webb Telescope Reveals Fourth ‘Marshmallow Planet’
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The Kepler-51 star system, located approximately 2,615 light-years from Earth, has captivated astronomers with its unusual collection of planets. These aren’t your typical rocky or gas giants; they’re incredibly fluffy, low-density worlds, earning them the nickname ”marshmallow planets.” Now, thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the family has grown.
Three planets – Kepler-51b, Kepler-51c, and Kepler-51d – were previously known. These planets are roughly the size of Saturn but possess a mass only three to six times that of Earth, resulting in an exceptionally low density. This low density is what gives them their unique, marshmallow-like characteristics.
The JWST’s recent observations of Kepler-51d revealed a discrepancy: the planet’s transit time – when it passes in front of its star – was two hours earlier than predicted by existing models.This important deviation couldn’t be explained by minor adjustments to the models. This led researchers from Penn State University and Osaka University to a startling conclusion: a fourth planet, Kepler-51e, was influencing the system’s dynamics.
Kepler-51e’s mass is also expected to be very low, further supporting the theory that this entire system is populated by these unusual, low-density planets.Astronomers are eagerly awaiting further observations as Kepler-51e transits its star, hoping to confirm its fluffy nature and gain a deeper understanding of its formation and composition.
The discovery of Kepler-51e adds another layer of complexity to the already puzzling Kepler-51 system. While the star itself is similar to our sun, albeit younger and slightly dimmer, the planets orbiting it are unlike anything found in our solar system. The challenge now lies in explaining how such a unique planetary system could form and evolve.
This discovery highlights the power of the JWST in uncovering the secrets of distant planetary systems and underscores the vast diversity of planets beyond our own. Further research promises to shed more light on these intriguing ”marshmallow planets” and the processes that led to their formation.
Astronomers Find Evidence of Fourth Planet in Kepler-51 System
A groundbreaking discovery in the Kepler-51 system has astronomers buzzing. New research suggests the presence of a previously unknown fourth planet, considerably impacting our understanding of this already fascinating planetary arrangement. the Kepler-51 system, known for its trio of unusually large, low-density planets often referred to as “super-puff” planets, may now boast a fourth member.
The research team, using fourteen years of observational data, meticulously analyzed the gravitational interactions within the Kepler-51 system. they found that the orbits of the three known planets couldn’t be fully explained without accounting for an additional celestial body. “The researchers then tested various combinations of planetary properties to find the description for all four-planet transit data collected over the past 14 years,” explains a statement released alongside the study. “They found that if Kepler-51e had a mass similar to the other three planets and followed a circular orbit of about 264 days, the signal would be able to be obtained. The most perfect explanation.”
This inferred fourth planet, designated kepler-51e, is estimated to have an orbital period of approximately 264 days. Though, direct observation of Kepler-51e transiting its star remains elusive. Consequently, its radius and density remain unknown, leaving open the question of whether it, too, is a super-puff planet. “The transit of Kepler-51e has not yet been observed, and the radius or density cannot be calculated,” the researchers note. “Therefore, it is unclear whether kepler-51e is also a super-expanded planet. We still need to wait for Kepler-51e to pass in front of its parent star. It cannot be confirmed before, but researchers said that irrespective of whether Kepler-51e is puff-shaped or not, the possibility of other unknown planets in this system cannot be ruled out.”
This discovery highlights the complexities of planetary systems and the ongoing need for further observation and research. The potential existence of Kepler-51e adds another layer to the already intriguing kepler-51 system, prompting further investigation into the formation and evolution of these unique planetary bodies. The full findings of this research are detailed in a new paper published in The Astronomical Journal.
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Fourth ‘Marshmallow Planet’ Detected in Kepler-51 System
A dramatic new revelation in the world of exoplanets has scientists buzzing. The Kepler-51 system, already known for hosting three unusually fluffy planets nicknamed “marshmallow planets,” appears to harbor a fourth unseen member. This finding, made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), further deepens the mystery surrounding this peculiar planetary family.
denser than Air: The Enigma of the Kepler-51 ‘Super-Puff’ Planets
World-Today-News.com sat down wiht Dr.Amelia Chandra, a leading astrophysicist at the California Institute of Technology, to discuss this groundbreaking discovery.
world-Today-News: Dr. Chandra, can you explain what makes the Kepler-51 system so special?
Dr. Chandra: The three already known planets in the Kepler-51 system are truly unlike anything we see in our own solar system. Imagine a planet the size of Saturn but with a mass only 3 to 6 times that of Earth. That’s incredibly low density, making them much fluffier than even the gas giants in our own backyard. We call these peculiar worlds ‘super-puff’ planets.
World-Today-News: So, how did astronomers discover a possible fourth planet in this system?
Dr. Chandra: The JWST’s observations of Kepler-51d revealed a discrepancy in its transit time. Essentially, the planet was passing in front of its star earlier than predicted by existing models. This unexpected shift suggested the gravitational influence of another unseen object.
World-Today-News: and this object is considered to be another “marshmallow planet”?
Dr. Chandra: It’s highly likely. Based on the orbital dynamics, the estimated mass of Kepler-51e is similar to its siblings. We need further observations to confirm its nature, but the evidence strongly suggests another super-puff planet.
World-Today-News: What does this discovery tell us about planet formation?
Dr. Chandra: The Kepler-51 system challenges our understanding of how planets form. The existence of these super-puff planets suggests that there may be more diversity in planetary systems than we previously thought.We need to refine our models to account for these unique worlds.
World-Today-news: What’s next for the study of the Kepler-51 system?
Dr. Chandra: We are eagerly awaiting more data from the JWST. Observing Kepler-51e as it transits its star will provide valuable information about its size, density, and composition. This will help us unravel the secrets of these fascinating marshmallow planets and shed light on the complexities of planetary formation.
