Astronomers just discovered the very first known exposed gas giant core. According to Engadget's latest report, Saturn, Jupiter, and other gas giants have cores at their centers. However, scientists and other space experts find it difficult actually to see the gas giant cores, unless nature cooperates.
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"Ice Giant" --Blasted Fossil Core of a Massive, Jupiter-Sized Planet Discovered (Weekend Feature)https://t.co/dzu041tyEK pic.twitter.com/P20x3KAYUq — The Daily Galaxy (@dailygalaxy) July 5, 2020
The slight changes in the light spectrum from the celestial body's wobble were observed and studied by the astronomers, gauging the planet's mass. According to Engadget's previous report, NASA's TESS also discovered the smallest exoplanet to date, 80% the size of Earth, and 10% smaller than the previous finding.
The report stated that two theories are explaining the exposed gas giant core. TOI-849b can complete an orbit in just 18 hours because it is so close to its star, leading to planetary collision or tidal disruptions, stripping away its layers of gas. Starlight may also cause evaporation on the planet, but the astronomers confirmed that it wouldn't account for all the lost gas.
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