Top 10 Largest Planet in the Universe
S. No |
Largest Planet in the Universe |
Diameter |
|
1 |
HD 100546b |
986,000 km |
|
2 |
GQ Lupi b |
419,400 km |
|
3 |
ROXs 42Bb |
339,714 km |
|
4 |
WASP-17b |
279,600 km |
|
5 |
KOI-368.01 |
255,800 km |
|
6 |
WASP-12b |
250,242 km |
|
7 |
HAT-P-32b |
250,100 km |
|
8 |
TrES-4 |
234,000 km |
|
9 |
Osiris |
159,371 km |
|
10 |
Jupiter |
139,800 km |
Largest Planet in the Universe
The vast expanse of the universe is home to countless celestial wonders, from dazzling stars to mysterious black holes. Among these awe-inspiring entities, the title of the “Largest Planet in the Universe” belongs to a celestial marvel that challenges our understanding of planetary proportions. Nestled within the vastness of space, this gargantuan planet stands as a testament to the astonishing diversity and grandeur of the cosmos.
In this intriguing exploration, we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of the largest planet ever discovered. Delving into its immense size, unique characteristics, and the awe it inspires, we invite you to marvel at the sheer magnitude of this colossal world.
Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the mysteries surrounding the largest planet in the universe, a celestial behemoth that continues to fascinate astronomers and ignite our imagination.
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1. HD 100546b (986,000 km)
HD 100546b, a massive exoplanet located approximately 320 light-years away in the constellation Musca, has earned its place as one of the largest planets known to humanity. With a diameter of approximately 986,000 kilometers, this gas giant dwarfs Jupiter, our own largest planet in our solar system.
HD 100546b orbits a young star called HD 100546, which is still in the early stages of its formation. The planet’s colossal size, along with its relatively close proximity to its parent star, has presented scientists with a unique opportunity to study the dynamics of planetary formation and evolution. Its large size suggests that it has accumulated a significant amount of gas and dust from the surrounding protoplanetary disk.
Scientists have observed evidence of a possible protoplanetary disk around HD 100546b, indicating ongoing planet formation. The presence of this disk and the immense size of the planet raise intriguing questions about the mechanisms by which such massive worlds can form in the early stages of a star’s life.
Further research and observations are necessary to uncover more details about HD 100546b, shedding light on the processes that govern the birth and growth of giant planets in the universe.
2. GQ Lupi b (419,400 km)
Situated roughly 450 light-years away in the constellation Lupus, GQ Lupi b stands out as another colossal gas giant, boasting a diameter estimated to be around 419,400 kilometers. This enormous exoplanet orbits a binary star system, GQ Lupi, which consists of two young, sun-like stars.
GQ Lupi b’s gigantic size challenges conventional theories of planet formation. The prevailing hypothesis suggests that planets of this magnitude form through the gradual accumulation of gas and dust over an extended period. However, GQ Lupi b appears to have formed at a relatively young age, posing a fascinating conundrum for astronomers.
This intriguing exoplanet also exhibits a unique characteristic—its unusually wide orbit around the binary star system. GQ Lupi b’s distance from its parent stars is significantly greater than the average distance between Jupiter and the Sun, despite its comparable size to Jupiter. Such an orbital configuration adds to the complexity of understanding the planet’s formation and the dynamics of the system as a whole.
Through ongoing observations and advanced imaging techniques, scientists hope to gain further insights into the formation and properties of GQ Lupi b. The study of planets like GQ Lupi b expands our understanding of the diverse range of planetary systems that exist in our galaxy and beyond.
3. ROXs 42Bb (339,714 km)
Located approximately 400 light-years away in the constellation Ophiuchus, ROXs 42Bb takes its place among the largest known exoplanets with a diameter estimated to be around 339,714 kilometers. This gas giant orbits a young star named ROXs 42B, which is part of a multiple-star system.
What makes ROXs 42Bb particularly intriguing is its potential status as a “super Jupiter.” With a mass estimated to be more than 14 times that of Jupiter, this exoplanet pushes the boundaries of what is considered a traditional gas giant. Its colossal size challenges our understanding of planetary formation and the mechanisms behind the growth of such massive worlds.
ROXs 42Bb’s discovery has also revealed the presence of a circumstellar disk surrounding its parent star, indicating that planetary formation may still be ongoing within the system. The study of this massive exoplanet and its surrounding environment provides valuable insights into the intricate processes of planet formation in multiple star systems.
As scientists continue to observe and study ROXs 42Bb, they hope to uncover more about its composition, atmosphere, and formation history. Understanding the origins and characteristics of such colossal exoplanets expands our knowledge of planetary systems and enriches our understanding of the vast diversity present throughout the universe.
4. WASP-17b (279,600 km)
WASP-17b is a gas giant exoplanet located approximately 1,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Scorpius. Discovered in 2009 by the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) project, it holds the distinction of being one of the largest known planets in the universe. With a radius about 1.5 times that of Jupiter, WASP-17b is estimated to have a diameter of approximately 279,600 kilometers.
This massive planet orbits its host star at an incredibly close distance, completing a full orbit in just under four days. Its proximity to the star subjects WASP-17b to intense heat, making it a prime example of a “hot Jupiter.” The extreme temperatures on the surface of the planet reach over 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,732 degrees Fahrenheit), causing the planet’s atmosphere to expand and making it one of the puffiest known exoplanets.
Studying WASP-17b provides valuable insights into the formation and dynamics of gas giants, as well as the effects of extreme stellar irradiation. Its enormous size challenges our current understanding of planetary formation theories and poses intriguing questions about its evolutionary history.
5. KOI-368.01 (255,800 km)
KOI-368.01, also known as Kepler Object of Interest 368.01, is an exoplanet discovered by NASA’s Kepler spacecraft. Located approximately 1,400 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Lyra, KOI-368.01 is a gas giant with an estimated diameter of 255,800 kilometers, making it one of the largest known planets in the universe.
This colossal planet orbits its host star at a relatively close distance, completing an orbit in approximately 85 days. Its size and proximity to the star result in scorching temperatures on its surface, reaching temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,800 degrees Fahrenheit).
The discovery of KOI-368.01 contributes to our understanding of planetary diversity and the prevalence of large gas giants in the cosmos. Its immense size raises questions about the mechanisms involved in the formation and evolution of such massive planets, shedding light on the intricate processes that shape planetary systems.
6. WASP-12b (250,242 km)
WASP-12b, discovered in 2008, is an intriguing exoplanet located approximately 1,400 light-years away in the constellation Auriga. With a diameter estimated to be around 250,242 kilometers, it is one of the largest known planets in the universe.
WASP-12b orbits its host star at an extremely close distance, completing an orbit in just 26 hours. This proximity results in intense tidal forces that have distorted the planet’s shape into an ellipsoid. The gravitational forces from its host star are so powerful that they are gradually spiraling the planet toward its eventual destruction, making it one of the shortest-lived exoplanets known to astronomers.
This massive gas giant’s close proximity to its star also leads to extreme temperatures, with surface temperatures reaching over 2,500 degrees Celsius (4,500 degrees Fahrenheit). These scorching conditions have caused the planet’s atmosphere to expand, making it one of the most inflated known exoplanets.
The study of WASP-12b provides valuable insights into the dynamics of close-in exoplanets, their atmospheric properties, and the effects of intense stellar irradiation. By examining its peculiar characteristics and ultimate fate, astronomers gain a deeper understanding of the diverse range of planetary systems that exist beyond our solar system.
7. HAT-P-32b (250,100 km)
HAT-P-32b is a remarkable exoplanet located approximately 450 light-years away from Earth. Discovered in 2013, this gas giant belongs to the class of hot Jupiters, characterized by their close proximity to their parent star. With a radius of about 1.3 times that of Jupiter, HAT-P-32b boasts an impressive size, measuring approximately 250,100 kilometers.
The extreme proximity of HAT-P-32b to its star subjects it to intense heat and radiation. Its orbit is incredibly close, completing a revolution around its star in just over two days. This proximity causes the planet’s atmosphere to expand, resulting in its enormous size. Scientists believe that the intense heat causes the planet’s atmosphere to inflate, leading to its significantly larger radius compared to Jupiter.
Studying HAT-P-32b provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of gas giants in close proximity to their stars. By analyzing the planet’s atmospheric composition and structure, researchers aim to unravel the mysteries of its unique characteristics, shedding light on the mechanisms that shape these fascinating exoplanets.
8. TrES-4 (234,000 km)
TrES-4, a gas giant exoplanet situated approximately 1,430 light-years away from us, holds a prominent position among the largest planets discovered thus far. This extrasolar giant, affectionately dubbed “Hot Jupiter,” has a radius of around 1.7 times that of Jupiter, measuring approximately 234,000 kilometers.
Notably, TrES-4 is known for its incredibly low density, making it one of the least dense exoplanets discovered to date. Its mass is estimated to be approximately 0.98 times that of Jupiter, despite its larger size. This unique characteristic challenges existing theories regarding planetary formation and structure, prompting scientists to investigate the planet’s composition and atmospheric properties.
TrES-4 orbits closely to its parent star, completing one revolution in just 3.55 days. This close proximity subjects the planet to intense irradiation and immense tidal forces, further contributing to its intriguing characteristics. Understanding TrES-4 provides valuable insights into the diversity of exoplanetary systems, expanding our knowledge of the formation and evolution of gas giants in extreme environments.
9. Osiris (159,371 km)
Osiris, also known as HD 209458b, stands as a pivotal discovery in the realm of exoplanets. Located approximately 150 light-years away in the constellation Pegasus, Osiris was one of the first exoplanets to have its atmosphere directly detected and studied. With a radius of about 1.38 times that of Jupiter, Osiris spans an impressive 159,371 kilometers.
The most intriguing aspect of Osiris is its atmosphere, which scientists have found to contain traces of sodium and water vapor. These findings were achieved through the innovative technique of spectroscopy, which allows scientists to analyze the composition of an exoplanet’s atmosphere by studying the absorption and emission of light.
Osiris orbits extremely close to its parent star, completing an orbit in a mere 3.5 days. This proximity results in intense heating and extreme atmospheric conditions. The planet’s atmosphere extends beyond its Roche lobe, creating a comet-like tail of evaporating gas trailing behind it.
Studying Osiris provides valuable insights into the characteristics of exoplanet atmospheres, their chemical compositions, and the mechanisms behind atmospheric escape. It has paved the way for further investigations into the diverse atmospheres of exoplanets, significantly expanding our understanding of these distant worlds.
10. Jupiter (139,800 km)
Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has long captured the imagination of astronomers and stargazers alike. With a radius measuring approximately 69,911 kilometers, or 11 times that of Earth, Jupiter’s immense size is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Its diameter of 139,800 kilometers allows it to accommodate over 1,300 Earth within its voluminous girth.
Jupiter’s colossal dimensions are a result of its composition, predominantly consisting of hydrogen and helium. These elements, along with traces of other compounds, form a thick atmosphere that shrouds the planet. Deep within Jupiter, immense pressure and temperature give rise to a core composed of heavier elements, enveloped by metallic hydrogen and an extensive mantle.
Jupiter’s iconic feature is its Great Red Spot, a massive storm system that has persisted for centuries. This colossal storm, larger than Earth itself, showcases the planet’s dynamic and turbulent atmosphere.
Beyond its sheer size, Jupiter plays a crucial role in our solar system. It acts as a gravitational anchor, protecting inner planets from potentially hazardous asteroids and comets by exerting its gravitational pull on these celestial wanderers.
The study of Jupiter provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of giant planets, as well as their impact on the dynamics of the solar system. By unraveling the mysteries of Jupiter, scientists gain a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of planetary systems both within our cosmic neighborhood and beyond.
Which is the Biggest Planet in the Universe?
Jupiter, often hailed as the “King of the Planets,” holds the distinction of being the largest planet in our solar system and one of the most massive celestial bodies in the universe. With its majestic presence and awe-inspiring dimensions, Jupiter stands as a true behemoth in the cosmic landscape.
Measuring approximately 139,800 kilometers in diameter, Jupiter’s colossal size is a result of its composition and gravitational influence. It is over 11 times the diameter of Earth and about 2.5 times more massive than all the other planets in the solar system combined. Its volume is so vast that it could accommodate more than 1,300 Earths within its voluminous atmosphere.
Jupiter’s immense dimensions stem from its primarily gaseous composition, dominated by hydrogen and helium. These elements, along with traces of other compounds, form a dense atmosphere that stretches thousands of kilometers deep. However, beneath the atmospheric layers lies a dense core comprised of heavier elements, enveloped by metallic hydrogen and an extensive mantle.
The planet’s striking appearance is marked by its banded structure and iconic swirling storms. Jupiter’s most famous feature is the Great Red Spot, an enormous storm system that has been observed for centuries. This anticyclonic storm, larger than Earth itself, exhibits the planet’s turbulent and dynamic atmosphere.
Jupiter’s colossal mass and strong gravitational pull play a crucial role in shaping our solar system’s dynamics. Its immense gravity acts as a protective shield, deflecting and capturing potential planet-impacting asteroids and comets, reducing the risk of collisions with inner planets.
As a subject of extensive scientific study, Jupiter offers invaluable insights into planetary formation, atmospheric dynamics, and the dynamics of our solar system. Researchers analyze its intricate cloud patterns, study its magnetic field, and probe the mysteries of its core to deepen our understanding of gas giants and their role in the broader universe.
Beyond our solar system, the search for exoplanets has revealed the existence of gas giants that rival or surpass Jupiter’s size. These discoveries further highlight the significance of Jupiter as a benchmark in understanding the diversity and limits of planetary dimensions.
Jupiter’s status as the largest planet in the universe is a testament to its awe-inspiring dimensions, its influential gravitational forces, and its significance in shaping our understanding of planetary systems. Its majestic presence continues to captivate scientists and stargazers alike, reminding us of the immense wonders that lie within our cosmic realm.
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