NASA scientists have discovered a gas giant planet around four times the size of Jupiter, 57 light years away from Earth. The large exoplanet, which orbits the Sun-like star; 59 Virginis is making scientists question prior theories about planetary formation. According to near-infrared cameras, the atmosphere may have fewer clouds than most previously observed gas-giants.
This peculiar Jovian planet, known as GJ 504 b, is approximately four times the size of Jupiter. The solar system of the planet is deemed to be around 100-200 million years old, relatively young (in cosmic time). Because of the planet’s youth, it is still undergoing changes. The planet is one of the youngest planets directly imaged from Earth and…it’s pink.
“If we could travel to this giant planet, we would see a world still glowing from the heat of its formation with a color reminiscent of a dark cheery blossom, a dull magenta,” says Michael McElwain, a member of the discovery team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.