The 365 Days of Astronomy EVSN - Cotton Candy Super Puffs, the Warped Milky Way Galaxy & Conference Chaos
Dec 5, 2025
This installment explores the fascinating concept of cotton-candy exoplanets, the 'SuperPuffs,' that might even have rings! It delves into groundbreaking findings that suggest a collision has warped our Milky Way Galaxy, potentially thanks to the influence of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy. Additionally, the hosts discuss the chaos of recent conference cancellations due to COVID-19, highlighting the uncertainty impacting scientific gatherings. Join for a blend of cosmic wonders and current events!
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Rings Might Explain Super Puff Planets
- Some exoplanets called "super puffs" appear extremely low-density when measured by transit and mass methods.
- Susie Murph explains rings could inflate apparent size, resolving the cotton-candy-density paradox.
Personal Memory Of The First Super Puff
- Susie Murph recalls the first super puff announced in 2014 and skepticism about its reported density.
- She uses that memory to introduce the ring hypothesis and upcoming JWST tests.
Gaia Maps The Milky Way's Moving Warp
- Gaia data reveals the Milky Way's warp and how it moves, not just its shape.
- Susie Murph reports the warp precesses every 600–700 million years while stars cycle faster.