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NASes are not for everyone. They can be expensive, and oftentimes, they provide features that, frankly, a lot of people don't need. A NAS is what you get when you want your own cloud storage of sorts, but if you don't need the cloud part, a DAS can be a better option.

Most people find out someone is stealing their Wi-Fi thanks to how slow the network gets. What happens next is usually just a password change, and that's it. However, I once took a different approach because of the audacity. What some people don't realize is that when they put their devices on someone else's Wi-Fi, they've opened up their own door as well.

Android Auto is obviously designed to be used on a screen in your vehicle while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. And that means it doesn't necessarily need access to everything you get on your phone. It's packed with navigation apps, voice controls, regular apps, and entertainment, but I've turned off a few things.

If keeping your pool clean has always felt like more work than it should be, Beatbot has the answer. The brand has built a lineup of AI-powered robotic pool cleaners designed to take the effort out of pool maintenance, from quick daily top-ups to whole-pool deep cleans. Rather than relying on fixed cleaning patterns or basic suction, Beatbot's robots use onboard AI to map the pool, detect debris in real time, and adapt their route accordingly, covering floors, walls, waterlines, and surfaces, depending on the model.

A lot of people owe Toyota an apology. For years, the Japanese automaker has faced criticism for refusing to fully embrace the “electric vehicle revolution.”

The ESP32 is the go-to microcontroller for DIY projects, smart home sensors, and other lightweight projects, but it’s not the only game in town. If energy efficiency is high on your list of priorities, the nRF52 series might be a better choice.

The calendar is about to flip again, and, like clockwork, Netflix is clearing house. As June succumbs to July, a big pile of movies and shows heads for the exits for U.S. subscribers, so consider this fair warning for any of them still collecting dust on your watchlist—time is ticking for you to watch them before they're gone.

I have been desperately trying to flee, or at least rely significantly less upon, the Google ecosystem for far too long. For research, reading, and communication, I've largely been able to ditch Google products. But AI overviews, rampant enshittification, and everything announced at Google I/O this year made me less than enthusiastic about staying with Google.

Excel and other spreadsheets are the workhorses of modern business. You've probably used the regression function to find a trend line or other linear relationship in your data. Here's why using Python on your data can turbocharge your regression analysis.

PLA is the most common type of 3D printing filament. Its poor heat resistance is seen as a weakness by many, but there are some use cases where this is a real benefit. So what if you softened thin PLA prints enough to make your own t-shirt transfers at home?

The Recycle Bin has been a constant feature of Windows desktops for decades, and it is understandable that everyone thinks of it as "just another folder." However, it is actually much more interesting and more clever than that.

Synology's latest 2-bay DS225+ NAS is a solid way to get started with network attached storage systems. It offers a streamlined and simple experience with an affordable-enough price for those who have never used a NAS before.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 20, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for June 20, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for June 20 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for June 20 Pips

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for June 20 Pips

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 3-2, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 0-6, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 0-6, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 1-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (7): Everything in this space must be less than 7. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 3-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, June 20, 2026:

AcrossThe "I" of TGIF

• The answer is Its.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

"Psych!"

• The answer is Not.

Batman villain played by Aaron Eckhart in "The Dark Knight"

• The answer is Two Face.

Repressive governments

• The answer is Regimes.

Folding art

• The answer is Origami

Opposite direction of NNW

• The answer is SSE

Streaming issue caused by slow wi-fi

• The answer is Lag

Raggedy ___ (doll)

• The answer is Ann

DownIcebreakers, e.g.

• The answer is Intros.

"The Two ___" (second installment of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy)

• The answer is Towers.

Cigar, informally

• The answer is Stogie.

Presidential candidate Harris

• The answer is Kamala.

2026 #1 album for Drake

• The answer is Iceman.

Word after "interior" or "intelligent"

• The answer is Design.

Kind of tree that the Buddha is said to have meditated under

• The answer is Fig.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know collegiate sports.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Baseball nicknames

• Green: Cyclist clothing

• Blue: Geographically specific

• Purple: Same word, different meanings

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: New York Yankees, informally

• Green: Tour de France jerseys

• Blue: Locations of Big 12 Schools

• Purple: What "boot" might mean

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #635 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• New York Yankees, informally: BRONX BOMBERS, EVIL EMPIRE, PINSTRIPES, YANKS

• Tour de France jerseys: GREEN, POLKA DOT, WHITE, YELLOW

• Locations of Big 12 schools: BOULDER, FORT WORTH, MANHATTAN, WACO

• What "boot" might mean: CLEAT, EJECT, KICK, MISHANDLE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

SAVE UP TO $65: Through July 15, HBO Max is offering one of its best streaming deals to date. New and returning subscribers can get 40% off any annual subscription, knocking the cost of the Basic tier (with ads) down from $109.99 to $78.99, the Standard (no ads) tier down from $184.99 to $132.99, and the Premium tier (no ads + 4K) down from $229.99 to $164.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max 40% off annual subscriptions Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max (Prime Video add-on) 40% off annual subscriptions Get Deal

A really impressive Black Friday HBO Max streaming deal is always inevitable. A Prime Day HBO Max deal, on the other hand, is unheard of — until now, that is. For the first time, the premium streamer has decided to hop aboard the Prime Day train and the deal is pretty epic.

Through July 15, HBO Max is offering new and returning subscribers 40% off annual subscriptions. Yes, that includes ad-free tiers for once. Usually the HBO Max annual subscriptions cost $109.99 for the Basic with ads tier, $184.99 for Standard (no ads), and $229.99 for Premium (no ads + 4K). With this Prime Day deal, however, those costs drop to just $78.99, $132.99, or $164.99, respectively.

To put that into perspective, the ad-free Standard tier is just $11 per month if you break it down. This honestly might be the deal that finally gets me to sign up for my own HBO Max account.

You can sign up on the HBO Max app or website directly or in the form of a Prime Video add-on. After you choose your tier on Prime Video, the landing page should let you select the annual plan instead (see below).

Be sure to tick the box for an annual plan to save. Credit: Prime Video / HBO Max

The deal is only valid on your first year of HBO Max, so be sure to cancel before the year ends if you want to avoid paying full price. Still, that's 12 whole months of streaming for a total steal. You'll be able to catch House of the Dragon Season 3, Glen Powell's How to Make a Killing, the internet-hyped Backrooms (likely coming next month), and so much more.

TL;DR: Through June 26, Prime members who buy or lease a new car through Amazon Autos will receive a $1,500 Amazon gift card after pickup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Autos Amazon Autos Through June 26, Prime members who buy or lease a new car through Amazon Autos will get a $1,500 Amazon Gift Card. Get Deal

Buying a car through Amazon might not be something most people expect from Prime Day, but that’s exactly what’s on the table right now. Amazon Autos is offering Prime members a $1,500 gift card when they buy or lease a new vehicle through the platform for a limited time.

The promotion runs through June 26, and applies to new cars purchased or leased on Amazon Autos. Once the vehicle is picked up from a participating dealership, the $1,500 Amazon Gift Card is sent via email within two weeks. There’s no extra code needed — just complete the purchase on Amazon, finalize pickup, and the bonus will follow.

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Here’s how it works:

• Start by choosing a new car on Amazon Autos and begin your purchase or lease. Used cars aren’t part of the deal, and you’ll need to be a Prime member to qualify.

• Complete checkout and submit your order by June 26.

• Schedule a pickup time through Amazon. You’ll still need to sign final documents at the dealership, and credit approval may be required if you’re financing or leasing.

• Pick up your car from the dealer by June 29.

• After pickup, Amazon sends a $1,500 gift card by email within two weeks. It’s non-transferable and can’t be exchanged for cash.

Buying a car through Amazon might feel strange, but Amazon Autos is set up to keep the process fairly straightforward. You can browse and select a new vehicle online, start checkout through Amazon, and then complete the final steps at a participating dealership, including signing documents and taking a test drive before everything is finalized.

There’s no shortage of Prime Day deals right now, but this $1,500 Amazon Autos gift card feels like one of the more unexpected offers in the mix. Especially if a car upgrade was already on your radar.

TL;DR: Live stream Germany vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is showcasing some really interesting matchups this weekend, including Germany vs. Ivory Coast. Both teams won their opening games, meaning the winner here will claim top spot in the group. Expect big performances from the likes of Wirtz and Diomande as these entertaining sides battle it out.

If you want to watch Germany vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Germany vs. Ivory Coast?

Germany vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on June 20. This fixture takes place at the Toronto Stadium.

How to watch Germany vs. Ivory Coast for free

Germany vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Germany vs. Ivory Coast for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Germany vs. Ivory Coast for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Germany vs. Ivory Coast (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Germany vs. Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

The 2026 World Cup has been a great watch so far, and the action's still just getting started.

Today, June 20, is well worth watching, with Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden — all potential big players at this World Cup — taking to the pitch for the second round of group games.

The soccer action kicks off from 1 p.m. ET. We've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 20

• Group F: Netherlands vs. Sweden (Houston Stadium) — kickoff at 1 p.m. ET

• Group E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast (Toronto Stadium) — kickoff at 4 p.m. ET

• Group E: Ecuador vs. Curacao (Kansas City Stadium) — kickoff at 8 p.m. ET

• Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan (Monterrey Stadium) — kickoff at 12 a.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Netherlands vs. Sweden

The Netherlands have the players and the tools to go far in this World Cup, but they couldn't hold back Japan in an exciting 2-2 draw last week. That means the Dutch will throw everything at Sweden in this second-round fixture to grab an all-important three points. Sweden could prove tough opposition — they smashed Tunisia 5-1 in their last game. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Germany vs. Ivory Coast

Germany thrashed the lower-ranked Curacao 7-1 in their opening game, a statement win following a few shaky performances from Germany in recent World Cups. Most football fans would expect the Germans to dominate Ivory Coast, though Ivory Coast are coming off a win in their opening game and are looking for another three points. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Ecuador vs. Curacao

Neither Ecuador nor Curacao managed to scrape a point in their opening fixtures. Ecuador conceded against Ivory Coast in the 90th minute while Curacao looked set for a Cinderella story when they scored against Germany to make it 1-1 — but proceeded to let in another six. This is sure to be a hard-fought battle with both teams still hopeful to advance to the knockout stages. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Tunisia vs. Japan

It's a late start, kicking off at midnight. Tunisia took a 5-1 hammering from Sweden in the opening match, which led to the Tunisian coach being fired. Will a recalibrated Tunisia fare any better? Japan, meanwhile, fought back against the Netherlands to secure a draw, which felt more like a victory. Japan are in the midst of a golden generation and will see this second-round game as an opportunity to show what they're capable of. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup on these free streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, and up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

An enormous world orbiting a sun-like star just 57 light-years away in space may have a pink hue and a sky filled with clouds of salt.

Astronomers used NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to study a distant object called GJ 504 b, and for the first time, detailed in a new study, they captured its light in enough detail to study its atmosphere directly rather than relying on rough brightness calculations.

"Distant object" is about as precise of a label as it gets for this thing. Despite the Pink Planet nickname, astronomers aren't even sure what it is. Some studies have suggested it might be a giant exoplanet, while others argue it could be a brown dwarf, a sort of failed star too small to generate its own nuclear power. For now, astronomers are comfortable calling it a "planetary-mass companion."

The problem is that GJ 504 b is cold, faint, and difficult to study. But with Webb, researchers finally had a chance to gather a spectrum, a technique that splits the world's light into its component colors. The presence or absence of different shades can reveal the mix of elements in its atmosphere. 

SEE ALSO: Astronomers see a 'galaxy in a bottle' near the Milky Way's core

The most striking finding was that this place has clouds — and not just any clouds — salt clouds. Though previous work has theorized salt clouds should be able to form in worlds between 400 and 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, astronomers haven't really found evidence of them over the past 15 years, said Aneesh Baburaj, a Northwestern University astronomer, who led the study.

"Salt clouds are unusual," Baburaj told Mashable. "GJ 504 b provides some of the first evidence that salt clouds exist in the atmosphere of such cold objects."

At roughly 550 degrees Fahrenheit, GJ 504 b might not seem cold. But compared to most directly imaged exoplanets, that temperature is quite balmy. 

The researchers attribute the lower temperature to its age. While most gas giant planets are extremely hot at birth, they cool over time. The new study estimates GJ 504 b is 2.5 to 4 billion years old. 

The James Webb Space Telescope hints that the 'Pink Planet' has planet-forming origins, but a brown dwarf scenario for the distant object can't be ruled out, researchers say. Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus illustration

As for those salt clouds, the salt is not table salt or even Pink Himalayan Rock Salt, though that would go splendidly with the theme. The paper, published in The Astronomical Journal, describes them as clouds made from tiny particles that form when gases cool down just enough to condense into solids or liquids. 

On Earth, clouds form when water vapor condenses into droplets that drift through air. But on GJ 504 b, the same process happens with far more extreme ingredients. The atmosphere contains gases that can combine into mineral-like compounds at high temperatures, and when conditions shift, those compounds condense into microscopic grains. Those grains then float through the atmosphere and scatter light.

These clouds are likely made of alkali metal compounds, such as potassium chloride, or perhaps sulfide compounds, like manganese sulfide. 

"We do not have enough evidence to say exactly what kind," Baburaj said.

The cloud layer likely plays a major role in the GJ 504 b's appearance. The team describes a faint pinkish tone in the way the light travels through the atmosphere. That means GJ 504 b might not shine pink, per se, but its atmosphere filters its star's light in a way that leaves a faint warm tint in the spectrum.

Despite the new detail provided by Webb, astronomers still haven't settled the debate over whether the Pink Planet is indeed a planet. The chemical evidence appears richer in heavy elements, like carbon, than its host star. That pattern often shows up in planets that form within a disk of gas and dust around a young star. But there are enough uncertainties that the researchers still can't rule out its being a brown dwarf. 

If it is a planet, it's one that weighs about 25 times more than Jupiter, the most massive planet in our solar system.