Spanish astronomers discover two giant exoplanets: “An odd couple”
A newly identified planetary system is giving scientists fresh clues about how giant worlds form in the earliest stages of a solar system.
An international collaboration of astronomers led by the University of La Laguna and the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands has announced the discovery of a pair of giant exoplanets orbiting the young star HD 114082.
The star is just 15 million years younger than the Sun. Most striking of all, the outer planet has a radius 36% larger than Jupiter’s. Meanwhile, the inner planet, which orbits about 20% closer to its star than Earth does to the Sun, is roughly the same size as Mars.
A massive planet with extremely low density
Despite one of the planets being larger than the “red planet,” its average density is surprisingly low. In fact, it is more than 7.5 times lower than the density of water, meaning it would theoretically float if there were a body of water large enough to contain it.
Receiving 200 times more heat and light than Jupiter
Another unusual feature of this curious pair of gas giants is that they receive 200 times more heat and light than Jupiter. That is because both exoplanets orbit much closer to HD 114082 than Jupiter does to the Sun.
One of the longest orbital-period systems detected
The study, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, offers new clues about how exoplanets form.
Discussing the importance of the discovery, research coordinator Carlos del Burgo Díaz explained that the two exoplanets stand out for being among the youngest ever detected. They are also remarkable because they take an unusually long time to complete an orbit after passing in front of their host star.
As a result, the system is considered one of the longest orbital-period systems identified to date among planets transiting young stars.
Co-author Alejandro Suárez Mascareño added that the pair moves in nearly circular orbits within the same plane. Looking ahead, astrophysicists plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze their atmospheres and determine their chemical composition with greater precision.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.