Larger than Jupiter, Yet Light Enough to Float

Artist's rendition of HAT-P-1 orbiting its parent star.
Image: BBC.co.uk

A recently discovered planet, dubbed HAT-P-1, orbits a star 450 light-years away in the Lacerta constellation. Its radius is larger than Jupiter, the dominant planet in our solar system, yet its mass is only half of Jupiter's. Just like Saturn, the giant HAT-P-1 would float in a cosmic bathtub. Scientists are puzzled by HAT-P-1's dimensions, because its size and density do not fit current mathematical equations used to model planetary formation.

Astronomers have detected some 200 planets outside of our solar system. They locate extrasolar planets when a star's light dims as the object orbits around.

--For more information, see BBC.co.uk