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Super Puff Planets

All articles tagged with #super puff planets

James Webb Unveils Fourth 'Super-Puff' Planet in Kepler-51 System
science1 year ago

James Webb Unveils Fourth 'Super-Puff' Planet in Kepler-51 System

Researchers have discovered a fourth planet in the Kepler-51 system, known for its three ultra-low density "super-puff" planets, using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This unexpected finding, revealed through transit timing variations, challenges existing models and raises new questions about the formation and characteristics of these rare planets. The discovery, detailed in the Astronomical Journal, suggests the new planet, Kepler-51e, may have a mass similar to the other planets and follows a circular orbit, though its exact nature remains uncertain.

James Webb Telescope Reveals Fourth 'Super-Puff' Planet in Kepler-51
science1 year ago

James Webb Telescope Reveals Fourth 'Super-Puff' Planet in Kepler-51

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a fourth exoplanet, Kepler-51e, in the Kepler-51 system, known for its ultralight 'super puff' planets. These planets, including the newly found Kepler-51e, are characterized by their low mass and density, resembling cotton candy. The discovery was made when Kepler-51d's transit occurred two hours earlier than expected, leading researchers to identify the influence of an additional planet. This finding challenges existing theories on planet formation and requires further observation to understand the system's dynamics.

New Exoplanet Found in Kepler-51's 'Super-Puff' System
science1 year ago

New Exoplanet Found in Kepler-51's 'Super-Puff' System

New observations from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have revealed a fourth planet in the Kepler-51 system, known for its ultra-low density 'super-puff' planets. The discovery was made after unexpected transit timing variations suggested gravitational influences from an additional planet. This new planet, Kepler-51e, has not been observed transiting, but its presence helps explain the unusual orbital dynamics of the system's known planets. The findings, published in The Astronomical Journal, provide new insights into the formation and characteristics of these rare, low-density planets.