Scientists Uncover ‘Cotton Sweet’ Exoplanet WASP-193b with Surprisingly Low Density

JAKARTA – When they consider the form of a planet, many individuals suppose that this celestial physique could be very large. Regardless of their totally different sizes, these astronomical objects needs to be very heavy and dense.

Nonetheless, latest scientific findings recommend in any other case. Quoted from Physics, a gaggle of Belgian scientists found an exoplanet that has a density much like cotton sweet. This extrasolar planet is WASP-193b.

This planet is situated about 1,200 mild years from Earth and is 50 p.c bigger than Jupiter. Regardless of its dimension, this planet could be very mild and fluid as a result of its mass is seven instances lower than Jupiter. Subsequently, the cotton planet is named WASP-193b.

Regardless of the unusual density of this planet, WASP-193b shouldn’t be the lightest planet. Khalid Barkaoui, one of many researchers, mentioned, “WASP-193b is the second non-dense planet found up to now, after Kepler-51d, which is far smaller.”

The invention of planets resembling WASP-193b and Kepler-51d exhibits that there are irregular planets exterior our photo voltaic system. That is an incredible discovery as a result of these planets will help scientists perceive planetary evolution.

“(This planet) is an actual anomaly amongst greater than 5 thousand exoplanets,” mentioned Barkaoui. “This very low density can’t be reproduced by normal fashions of irradiated gasoline giants, even with unrealistic assumptions.”

WASP-193b is an exoplanet orbiting a Solar-like star, particularly WASP-193. The star of this planet is 1.1 instances bigger and 1.2 instances the radius of the Solar. Though it’s shut in age and temperature to the Solar, WASP-193b could be very shut.

This exoplanet, as mild as a dandelion ball, orbits at a really shut distance, even a lot nearer than the assorted planets within the photo voltaic system. This planet additionally enters its star each 6.25 days.

This discovery made scientists wish to know extra about WASP-193b. Thus far, Barkaoui and his colleagues discovered that the density of the exoplanet is 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter. Very removed from Earth which has a density of 5.51 grams per cubic centimeter.

The density of WASP-193b can be totally different from Jupiter, reaching 1.33 grams per cubic centimeter, so the planet could be very mild. Aside from the very low density, this planet has extra air and has a really clean floor.

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exoplanet
an outside place
photo voltaic system