Extrasolar giant planets Giant planet

an artist s conception of 79 ceti b, first extrasolar giant planet found minimum mass less saturn.



comparison of sizes of planets of given mass different compositions

because of limited techniques available detect exoplanets, many of found date have been of size associated, in solar system, giant planets. because these large planets inferred share more in common jupiter other giant planets, have claimed jovian planet more accurate term them. many of exoplanets closer parent stars , hence hotter giant planets in solar system, making possible of planets type not observed in solar system. considering relative abundances of elements in universe (approximately 98% hydrogen , helium) surprising find predominantly rocky planet more massive jupiter. on other hand, models of planetary-system formation have suggested giant planets inhibited forming close stars many of extrasolar giant planets have been observed orbit.