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Largest-Known Planet Befuddles Scientists

langelgjm writes to mention that scientists are quite puzzled over the discovery of the largest planet yet. According to study-leader Georgi Mandushev it should theoretically not even be able to exist. 'Dubbed TrES-4, the planet is about 1.7 times the size of Jupiter and belongs to a small subclass of "puffy" planets that have extremely low densities. The finding will be detailed in an upcoming issue of Astrophysical Journal. [...] "TrES-4 is way bigger than it's supposed to be," Mandushev told Space.com. "For its mass, it should be much smaller. It basically should be about the size of Jupiter and instead it's almost twice as big." "TrES-4 appears to be something of a theoretical problem," said study team member Edward Dunham, also of the Lowell Observatory. "Problems are good, though, since we learn new things by solving them."'"

8 of 385 comments (clear)

  1. Later that day... by bluemonq · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...scientists discovered the "puffy" nature was due to its interior being mostly made of a substance remarkably similar to "fluffy chocolate nougat". Mars, Incorporated could not be reached for comment.

  2. Tampa Tribune by ResidntGeek · · Score: 4, Funny

    This was reported in the Tampa Tribune as a small page-6 blurb under the headline "New Largest Planet Sports Squishy Surface", a conclusion drawn from a quote by a scientist saying the planet has no firm surface. I almost cried.

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    ResidntGeek
  3. Too big! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's way too big to be a planet and since small planets are called dwarf planets, please welcome the first discovered troll planet.

  4. Re:Not so gravity constant by Quadraginta · · Score: 4, Funny

    Isaac Newton has mod points again, I guess.

  5. Re:I have a theory... by andphi · · Score: 5, Funny

    I've got a theory, it could be witches, some evil witches, which is ridiculous because Wicca good and love the earth and woman power and I'll be other there.

  6. Conversion Factor by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Are we sure NASA is reporting in inches and not centimeters?

  7. They'd Named the Planet by Hoi+Polloi · · Score: 4, Funny

    Astronomers have given the planet an official name, "Puff Daddy".

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    It is by the juice of the coffee bean that thoughts acquire speed, the teeth acquire stains. The stains become a warning
  8. Re:I have a theory... by andphi · · Score: 4, Funny

    I've got a theory, some kid is dreaming, and we're all stuck inside his wacky Broadway nightmare.