Planet core observed for first time by scientists

SCIENTISTS have had their first glimpse inside a planet.

Core TOI 849 b – about the size of Neptune – is believed to be a planet that was either stripped of its gaseous atmosphere or failed to form one in its early life.

It was discovered by a team including scientists from the University of Leicester.

Dr Sarah Casewell, from the university, said: “This is the first time we’ve discovered an intact exposed core of a gas giant around a star.

“This planet has half the mass of Saturn but with a similar density to the Earth – what we’re seeing isn’t a gas giant like Saturn, but the rocky core of the planet.

“This is the first time we have detected a planet like this, and it will be a really important target for future observations as the remnant atmosphere will give us clues into the planet’s formation”