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Exoplanets Crumbling in Space: Astonishing New Discovery

By aimee yang
Exoplanets Crumbling in Space: Astonishing New Discovery

Astronomers discovered two planets orbiting very close to their stars. The stars’ heat is causing the planets to break apart and leave behind comet-like debris. These planets are called ultra-short-period planets (USPs) because they orbit quickly. Only three other disintegrating planets are known to astronomers.

USPs orbit very close to their stars and are extremely hot. They are usually small, about the size of two Earths. USPs are still new to science, and researchers are learning more about them. Scientists have many questions about how USPs form, but studying them is tricky because they are so close to their stars.

Recent observations by two research teams have provided more information about these disintegrating USPs. The discoveries are detailed in two papers available online. These studies help astronomers understand more about these unique planets and push the boundaries of our knowledge about other planetary systems.

Astronomers Find Disintegrating Exoplanets Falling Apart in Space"/>

Two very bright stars host these disintegrating planets. Researchers hope to learn more about them with the powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Studying these planets helps scientists understand what rocky exoplanets are made of.

<strong>Astronomers</strong> Find <strong>Disintegrating</strong> <strong>Exoplanets</strong> Falling Apart in Space

Observing these planets offers a unique opportunity to study planetary interiors and learn more about rocky planets in other solar systems.

This article was originally published by Universe Today. Read the original article here.

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
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Accent

Astronomers/əˈstrɒn.ə.mərz/noun
Scientists who study celestial bodies and the universe.

Disintegrating/dɪsˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪt.ɪŋ/verb
Breaking down into smaller parts or pieces.

Observations/ˌɒb.zəˈveɪ.ʃənz/noun
The action or process of closely observing something or someone.

Exoplanets/ˈɛk.soʊˌplæn.ɪts/noun
Planets that exist outside our solar system.

Researchers/rɪˈsɜːr.tʃərz/noun
Individuals who conduct a careful or systematic investigation.

Solar Systems/ˈsoʊ.lər ˈsɪs.təmz/noun
A collection of celestial bodies including a star and the planets that orbit it.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

What are the two planets discovered by astronomers orbiting very close to their stars?
USPs
Gas giants
Dwarf planets
Satellites
Why are the discovered planets named ultra-short-period planets (USPs)?
Due to their rapid orbit
Due to their large size
Due to their distance from Earth
Due to their habitable conditions
How many other disintegrating planets are known to astronomers besides the two USPs?
3
5
7
10
What type of telescope do researchers hope to use to learn more about the disintegrating planets?
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
Hubble Space Telescope
Kepler Space Telescope
Spitzer Space Telescope
What do scientists aim to understand by studying the disintegrating exoplanets?
What rocky exoplanets are made of
What gases stars consist of
How galaxies form
How black holes evolve
What opportunity do these planets offer astronomers when it comes to studying planetary interiors?
A unique opportunity
A common chance
A challenging opportunity
An unprecedented chance
The two discovered planets are very large in size.
Scientists have a clear understanding of how ultra-short-period planets form.
The disintegrating planets are located far away from their host stars.
A powerful telescope that researchers hope to use is the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Studying these planets does not help scientists understand the composition of rocky exoplanets.
Observing these planets does not provide any unique opportunities for studying planetary interiors.
Researchers are still learning more about ultra-short-period planets (USPs) because they are to study due to their close proximity to their stars.
Only disintegrating planets are currently known to astronomers besides the two recently discovered USPs.
Recent observations by two research teams have provided more information about these USPs.
The powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may help researchers learn more about these disintegrating planets hosted by two stars.
Studying these disintegrating planets helps scientists understand the composition of exoplanets.
Observing these planets offers a unique opportunity to study planetary and learn more about rocky planets in other solar systems.
This question is required
aimee yang
aimee yanghttps://esl-news.com

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
Astronomers/əˈstrɒn.ə.mərz/noun
Scientists who study celestial bodies and the universe.
Disintegrating/dɪsˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪt.ɪŋ/verb
Breaking down into smaller parts or pieces.
Observations/ˌɒb.zəˈveɪ.ʃənz/noun
The action or process of closely observing something or someone.
Exoplanets/ˈɛk.soʊˌplæn.ɪts/noun
Planets that exist outside our solar system.
Researchers/rɪˈsɜːr.tʃərz/noun
Individuals who conduct a careful or systematic investigation.
Solar Systems/ˈsoʊ.lər ˈsɪs.təmz/noun
A collection of celestial bodies including a star and the planets that orbit it.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

What are the two planets discovered by astronomers orbiting very close to their stars?
USPs
Gas giants
Dwarf planets
Satellites
Why are the discovered planets named ultra-short-period planets (USPs)?
Due to their rapid orbit
Due to their large size
Due to their distance from Earth
Due to their habitable conditions
How many other disintegrating planets are known to astronomers besides the two USPs?
3
5
7
10
What type of telescope do researchers hope to use to learn more about the disintegrating planets?
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
Hubble Space Telescope
Kepler Space Telescope
Spitzer Space Telescope
What do scientists aim to understand by studying the disintegrating exoplanets?
What rocky exoplanets are made of
What gases stars consist of
How galaxies form
How black holes evolve
What opportunity do these planets offer astronomers when it comes to studying planetary interiors?
A unique opportunity
A common chance
A challenging opportunity
An unprecedented chance
The two discovered planets are very large in size.
Scientists have a clear understanding of how ultra-short-period planets form.
The disintegrating planets are located far away from their host stars.
A powerful telescope that researchers hope to use is the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Studying these planets does not help scientists understand the composition of rocky exoplanets.
Observing these planets does not provide any unique opportunities for studying planetary interiors.
Researchers are still learning more about ultra-short-period planets (USPs) because they are to study due to their close proximity to their stars.
Only disintegrating planets are currently known to astronomers besides the two recently discovered USPs.
Recent observations by two research teams have provided more information about these USPs.
The powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) may help researchers learn more about these disintegrating planets hosted by two stars.
Studying these disintegrating planets helps scientists understand the composition of exoplanets.
Observing these planets offers a unique opportunity to study planetary and learn more about rocky planets in other solar systems.
This question is required

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