Kepler 7b Is The Weirdest Planet

Gas giant Kepler 7b is the gift that keeps on giving. First, astronomers marveled at the planet’s incredibly puffy body.
 It’s 1.5 times the size of Jupiter but far less massive, which means it’s about as dense as Styrofoam.

As a matter of fact, it would easily float on any ocean that could accommodate such a gargantuan planet.
Other than its claim to fame as a gassy wisp, astronomers in 2013 managed to map its cloud cover—the first time such a feat has been accomplished outside the solar system.
Through infrared imaging, astronomers measured the planet’s temperature at 800–1,000 degrees Celsius (1,500–1,800 °F).
That’s pretty hot but much cooler than expected—7b lies closer to its star than Mercury does to the Sun.
 After three years of observation, it was clear why: High-altitude cloud cover reflects loads of heat away from the planet.
 Even more amazing? One side of the planet is awash in clouds while the other side enjoys clear weather, resulting in what looks like a magnificent planetary comb-over.