Cosmic puzzle
Astronomers find fourth ‘cotton candy’ planet
december 9, 2024 – 4:50 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Astronomers have discovered a fourth “cotton candy” planet around the star Kepler-51. The light planets pose a mystery to researchers.
astronomers have discovered a new secret in the universe: unusually light planets orbit the star Kepler-51, which is 2,600 light-years away from us. They are thought to consist of small nuclei and huge shells of gas - their density is so low that they have been compared to cotton candy.
The three original “cotton candy” planets around Kepler-51 are about the size of Saturn but only a few Earth masses. as Jessica Libby-Roberts from Pennsylvania State University, a co-author of the study, explains, it is still tough to explain how the planets were formed and structured.
“We suspect that they have tiny cores and enormous gas shells made of hydrogen and helium,” says Libby-Roberts.However, it is questionable how it can be that their gas shells have not long since been blown away by the strong radiation from the star Kepler-51. Their low mass and small core actually provide little gravity to hold the gas shells in place.
Astronomers examined the planets in more detail using the James Webb Space telescope.It was noticed that one of the planets, Kepler-51d, passed in front of its star two hours earlier than expected. This deviation could not be explained by the past models.
Only when a fourth planet, Kepler-51e, was included in the calculations did a decisive picture emerge. the fourth planet, kepler-51e, which was previously undiscovered, influences the movements of the other planets through its gravity. Kepler-51e orbits the star further out in an inclined orbit and takes about 264 days to complete one orbit. his discovery helps explain the other planetS transit deviations, but raises new questions about the system’s formation.
“Explaining three of thes ‘cotton candy’ planets around a star was a real challenge. But now we have to explain a fourth planet,” says Libby-Roberts.
Planets like these are extremely rare, and the fact that four of them exist around a star dose not fit with current models of planet formation.The researchers hope to find out more about the formation of these exotic celestial bodies through further observations, notably of the atmospheres. It is also conceivable that there are other unknown planets in this system.
The Kepler-51 system remains a cosmic mystery - and shows how little we certainly know about the diversity of planets in the universe.
What characteristics define a ‘cotton candy’ planet in astronomy?
Interview Between Time.news editor and Astronomy Expert Dr. clara Hargrove on the Discovery of a Fourth ‘Cotton Candy’ Planet
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Dr. Hargrove! Thank you for joining us today to discuss an exciting recent discovery in the field of astronomy. Just this week, we learned that astronomers have identified a fourth ‘cotton candy’ planet. Can you explain what a ‘cotton candy’ planet is?
Dr. Clara Hargrove (CH): Absolutely, and thank you for having me! The term ‘cotton candy’ planet is a somewhat whimsical way to describe exoplanets that possess a thick atmosphere rich in hydrogen and helium, resembling the fluffy texture of cotton candy. These planets tend to be far less dense than the rocky planets we are familiar with in our own solar system.
TNE: Engaging! So,what makes the discovery of this fourth ‘cotton candy’ planet significant in the bigger picture of astronomical research?
CH: This discovery is critically important for several reasons. First, it expands our understanding of the diversity of exoplanets in our universe. Each new planet offers a unique window into atmospheric processes, formation, and evolution. Additionally, the conditions on these types of planets can help us understand planetary atmospheric dynamics, which may, in turn, provide insight into the potential habitability of other worlds.
TNE: Captivating! To give our readers a broader perspective,how do astronomers go about finding these ‘cotton candy’ planets?
CH: Great question! Astronomers typically utilize a variety of methods,the most common being the transit method. This involves monitoring the brightness of stars and detecting slight dips in light as a planet passes in front of its host star. By analyzing these light curves, we can determine the size and orbit of the planet.In some cases, other methods like radial velocity measurements are also used to infer the presence of planets.
TNE: With the discovery of this new planet, how many ’cotton candy’ planets have been identified in total?
CH: With this latest addition, we now have four confirmed ‘cotton candy’ planets. Each of these has its unique characteristics, contributing to our understanding of gaseous planets in diffrent environments and varying stages of growth.
TNE: How does the discovery of more ‘cotton candy’ planets influence our search for life beyond Earth?
CH: While ‘cotton candy’ planets themselves are unlikely candidates for hosting life as we know it—due to their gaseous nature and lack of solid surfaces—they play a crucial role in studying planetary systems.By understanding how such planets form and evolve,we can better understand the conditions that lead to the development of more Earth-like planets where conditions might be favorable for life.
TNE: that’s a great perspective. Lastly, dr. Hargrove, what are the next steps for astronomers now that this new cotton candy planet has been discovered?
CH: The next steps involve a deeper inquiry of the planet’s atmosphere and composition. Observatories—both ground-based and space-based—will study its spectral data to understand its atmospheric makeup. This could provide insights into other compounds present and help us understand the planet’s formation and potential for habitation.
TNE: Thank you, Dr.Hargrove, for elucidating these intriguing cosmic discoveries. It’s amazing how much there is to learn about our universe.
CH: Thank you for having me! The universe is indeed full of wonders, and each new discovery brings us closer to unraveling its many mysteries.
TNE: We look forward to hearing more about your findings in the future.