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

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.
- Astronomers solve mystery of how a mirror-like planet formed so close to its star Ars Technica
- Shiniest Planet Ever Discovered Is The Largest Known “Mirror” In The Universe IFLScience
- 'Like a mirror': Astronomers identify most reflective exoplanet Phys.org
- Exoplanet "like a mirror" due to metallic clouds Boing Boing
- Scientists find planet with metal clouds 'like a mirror' DW (English)
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