The core is about the same size as Neptune, or around four times larger than Earth, although it lacks a gaseous atmosphere.
"But it is the most massive we know for its size, and extremely dense for something the size of Neptune, which tells us this planet has a very unusual history," he added.
"We would expect a planet this massive to have accreted large quantities of hydrogen and helium when it formed, growing into something similar to Jupiter. The fact that we don't see those gases lets us know this is an exposed planetary core."Dr Armstrong said this was the first time scientists have discovered an intact exposed core of a gas giant orbiting around a star.
Dr Armstrong added:"It's a first, telling us that planets like this exist and can be found. We have the opportunity to look at the core of a planet in a way that we can't do in our own solar system.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Birdsong, review: this superb First World War drama has found the perfect home online'Even as the nation soldiers on through the morass of the pandemic, we must remember them.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ On the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, domcavendish reviews BIRDSONGOnline
Read more »
First picture of five-year-old girl found stabbed to death next to her mumA murder investigation has been launched after Sayagi Sivanantha died in hospital - the five-year-old had been found fatally stabbed in Mitcham, south London
Read more »
Hong Kong: Police make first arrests under controversial new security law'Why has China chosen to break a major international agreement with the UK on Hong Kong?' 'First of all, it's a joint declaration not a treaty', argues Victor Gao, adding that the new national security law will help 'maintain one country, two systems.'
Read more »
First Thing: America's new virus hotspots are also election battlegroundsArizona has joined Texas and Florida in reversing its reopening plan amid a surge in infections. Plus, why liberals mustn’t mistake John Roberts for an ally
Read more »
Married At First Sight Australia 2017: Where are the couples now?MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT AUSTRALIA is a popular reality TV series which sees singletons tie the knot after being matched by experts. Where are the couples now?
Read more »
‘Heartbreaking’: Leicester locals react as city becomes first to see second lockdownAs the rest of the country moves to take a welcome but tentative step out of lockdown, there is to be no such relief for Leicester and it’s 330,000 or so residents
Read more »