Gasgiantlike

Gasgiantlike, a term used in the fields of astrophysics and planetary science, refers to a hypothetical or theoretical object that exhibits characteristics similar to those of gas giants. Gas giants, such as Jupiter and Saturn, are comprised primarily of hydrogen and helium gases, with negligible solid planet material. They are notable for their massive size, low density, and prominent atmospheric features like banded patterns and prominent cloud formations.

Gasgiantlike objects are often described as planet-like entities that are on the cusp of meeting the IAU definition of a planet due to their composition and size. These objects can either be differentiated gas giants or gas-rich substellar objects. A differentiated gas giant is one in which a perceptible division exists between the atmosphere and the core of the material, characteristic of massive planets formed through core accretion. In contrast, a gas-rich substellar object is typically classified as a brown dwarf, due to its failure to meet the primary definition of a planet, which is that the object is capable of clearing its orbit to the extent that there is no other mass directly influencing its motion.

The search for gasgiantlike objects is an area of ongoing research, with several current and future surveys employing advanced telescopic and spectrographic tools to detect these objects. Objects such as Gliese 229B and Beta Pictoris b have been identified as stars hosting gasgiantlike companions. By identifying and studying these comparative objects, astronomers aim to derive insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems and the emerging status of planetary taxonomy within the broader context of exoplanetary science.