"Unveiling the Enigma: The Mirror-Like Exoplanet with Metallic Clouds"

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Source: Ars Technica
"Unveiling the Enigma: The Mirror-Like Exoplanet with Metallic Clouds"
Photo: Ars Technica
TL;DR Summary

Astronomers have discovered a "hot Neptune" exoplanet called LTT9779 b, which reflects 80% of the light shone on it, making it the shiniest exoplanet ever observed. The planet's high albedo is a mystery, as it is located extremely close to its star and should not have any clouds. However, observations from the Cheops satellite suggest that the planet's atmosphere is super-saturated with silicate and metal vapors, allowing metallic clouds to form. This indicates that the planet started out as a gas giant but has been losing mass over time. Further observations from telescopes like Hubble and James Webb could provide more insights into this intriguing world.

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