Astronomers have discovered a fourth exoplanet, Kepler-51e, in a unique system of ultralight “super puff” planets orbiting the sun-like star Kepler-51. The new world is among the lightest planets ever discovered and has a density similar to cotton candy.
The discovery was made using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and was initially thought to be an error in the planet’s predicted transit time. However, further analysis revealed the presence of a fourth planet, which explains why Kepler-51d appeared two hours early in its predicted transit.
The “super puff” planets are unusual due to their low mass and density, with three previously known planets estimated to be about the size of Saturn but only a few times the mass of Earth. The team theorizes that these planets have tiny cores and huge atmospheres of hydrogen or helium.
While Kepler-51e’s discovery is exciting, it also raises questions about how such a system formed and how its atmosphere has been shaped over time. Further observations are needed to confirm the planet’s existence and understand its impact on the other worlds in the system.
The discovery of Kepler-51e highlights the importance of continued exploration of our solar system and beyond, as well as advances in telescope technology like the JWST, which enables scientists to study exoplanet properties with unprecedented detail.
Source: https://www.space.com/kepler-51d-superpuff-exoplanet