TOI-332b has a huge density of 9.6 grams per cubic centimeter.
Denser than iron: scientists discovered an exoplanet that destroys the theory of the formation of planets / UNIAN collage, photo ua.depositphotos.comNASA
Scientists have discovered a new exoplanet named TOI-332b. The physical properties of this planet and the distance between it and its star have amazed astronomers – the way it is arranged is difficult to explain with the help of the modern theory of planet formation.
As written ScienceAlert, to date, humanity has discovered and confirmed more than 5,500 exoplanets (these are extrasolar planets and worlds outside the solar system). At the same time, very few exoplanets similar to TOI-332b have been discovered in the Milky Way, and the discovery of the latter may help scientists understand more about how planets form.
The mass of this exoplanet reaches 57.2 Earth masses, while the mass of Neptune is 17.15 Earth masses. This means that TOI-332b has an enormous density of 9.6 grams per cubic centimeter, making it one of the densest exoplanets ever found. TOI-332b is denser than iron and many other planets. For comparison, Neptune has a density of 1.64 grams per cubic centimeter, and Earth has a density of 5.51 grams.
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Simulations made by scientists show that this exoplanet has a huge, dense iron core with a rocky mantle and an overly thin atmosphere of hydrogen and helium. However, planets with cores the size of TOI-332b are characterized by a large, dense, extended atmosphere (similar to Jupiter’s atmosphere). So now scientists are trying to figure out where TOI-332b’s atmosphere went. One version being considered is that most of TOI-332b’s atmosphere was destroyed by a giant impact with another planet-sized object. But this is not the only version. Scientists also suggest that TOI-332b never developed an atmosphere.
“This unusual planet challenges what we currently understand about planet formation; how such a giant core exists without a gaseous envelope remains an unanswered question. Further observations are needed to potentially disentangle the formation history and current characteristics of TOI-332b.” , – note the researchers.
Exoplanets – news about unique celestial bodies
Earlier, astronomers found the hottest exoplanet known today.
Also, astronomers have found an exoplanet that is almost 50 percent larger than our Jupiter, but it is so light and fluffy that its overall density can be compared to the density of cotton candy.
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Fuente: espreso.tv
