Researchers Reveal a Unique Planet
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have discovered a scorching hot, diamond-rich lava planet that has developed a second atmosphere after its original one was destroyed by its host star.
A Carbon-Dominated Exoplanet
55 Cancri e, one of five planets orbiting the star 55 Cancri in the constellation Cancer, is twice the diameter of Earth but has eight times its mass. It orbits its star in just 18 hours, a stark contrast to Earth's 365-day orbit.
A Second Atmosphere
Despite the intense heat and radiation from its host star, 55 Cancri e exhibits a thick atmosphere surrounding it. Scientists believe this atmosphere was created by volcanic activity, releasing gases from the planet's interior.
A Magma-Covered World
Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope reveal that 55 Cancri e is likely a magma world, with a surface covered in molten rock. The intense heat from its proximity to its star has melted the planet's exterior, causing it to lose its original atmosphere.
A Diamond Core
Scientists estimate that the core of 55 Cancri e is composed primarily of carbon, likely in the form of diamond. This makes it a unique exoplanet with a composition unlike any other known.
The "Rebirth" of the Atmosphere
The second atmosphere of 55 Cancri e is a testament to the planet's resilience. After losing its original atmosphere to the relentless radiation from its host star, the planet has managed to regenerate a new one.
A Glimpse of a Unique World
By studying 55 Cancri e, scientists are gaining insights into the extreme environments that exist in our universe. This discovery highlights the diversity of exoplanets and the potential for life to exist in even the most inhospitable conditions.