Astronomers identify pair of low-density "super-puff" exoplanets

An international collaboration of astronomers has identified two large exoplanets possessing some of the lowest densities recorded for gas giants to date. The study, which involved researchers from the University of Oxford, the University of Birmingham, and Université Côte d'Azur/Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, was published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The pair of planets orbits a star located approximately 1,110 light-years away. According to reports from the NY Post and The Independent, these are among the largest "super-puff" exoplanets discovered thus far. Their physical characteristics are notable for their extreme lack of density; both the NY Post and Phys.org report that the planets' densities are lower than those found in cotton candy or candy floss.

The discovery highlights a rare category of celestial bodies known as "super-puffs." While most gas giants have higher densities due to their composition, these specific planets possess expanded atmospheres that result in their unique measurements. The findings were highlighted by Phys.org as some of the lowest-density giant planets ever detected by an international team.

The research provides a new data point for astronomers studying planetary diversity. By identifying these specific bodies, researchers can better understand how varying atmospheric conditions and orbital environments influence the size and density of gas giants in the galaxy.