Anomalous Worlds: The Strangest Planets in the Universe

The universe is stranger than we can imagine, with planets that defy expectations and push the boundaries of what we thought possible. In this episode of Cosmos in a Pod, host Amitesh takes you on an exhilarating journey to explore some of the most bizarre and mysterious planets ever discovered. These celestial oddities showcase the diversity and unpredictability of the cosmos.

Episode Highlights:

• Kepler-413b—the disappearing planet: Discover a world with an oscillating orbit so dramatic it periodically vanishes from our view, creating chaotic seasons and atmospheric instability.
• HD 80606b—A Planet of Extremes: Experience the fiery chaos of this gas giant, where temperatures double in mere hours and supersonic winds rip through its atmosphere.
• Kepler-36 System—A Gravitational Dance: Explore the catastrophic interactions between two closely orbiting planets, where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are the norm.
• Super Saturn—Lord of the Rings: Marvel at a gas giant with rings so massive they outshine Saturn’s, offering a celestial view like no other.
• Brown Dwarfs: The Cosmic In-Betweens Learn about these star-like objects and their moons, where tidal forces create extreme environments with the potential for life.

FAQs Answered:

• What causes Kepler-413b’s vanishing act? Its tilted orbit, influenced by a binary star system, makes it disappear periodically from our line of sight.
• How violent are HD 80606b’s winds? With speeds of 5 kilometres per second, these winds are among the most extreme in the known universe.
• What’s unique about Saturn’s rings? They’re 640 times larger than Saturn’s, with gaps hinting at the presence of exomoons.

Join us as we journey through the cosmos to uncover these extraordinary worlds, each a testament to the boundless creativity of the universe.

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