XKAstronomers have discovered two giant exoplanets named 'super-puffs' orbiting the star TOI-791, located approximately 1,110 light-years from Earth in the constellation Volans. These planets are unusually light, with densities lower than that of Saturn, making them among the least dense of their size ever observed. The discovery was initially made by NASA’s TESS space telescope, and their density was determined through ground-based observations. According to researcher George Dransfield from the University of Oxford, the planets’ low density suggests they might have a layer of fluffy clouds, potentially giving them a white or blue appearance rather than the pink of Saturn. Scientists believe these planets are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and further study using the James Webb Space Telescope will explore their chemical composition. In comparison, Jupiter is up to 35 times denser than these two super-puffs. Researchers suggest that such planets form early in planetary system formation in regions rich in gas and gradually lose much of their mass over time, leaving behind exceptionally lightweight remnants.
Bias read (Center): The article presents scientific findings without overt ideological framing. It reports on astronomical discoveries, uses objective language, and cites academic research without apparent bias toward any political ideology. The focus remains on empirical data and scientific consensus.
