Astronomers at the University of Kansas have discovered a thick atmosphere surrounding a super-Earth planet located in a nearby solar system. The planet, known as 55 Cancri e, is approximately twice the size of Earth and is one of the few rocky planets outside our solar system with a significant atmosphere consisting of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
The discovery of an atmosphere around 55 Cancri e is strong evidence supporting the existence of an atmosphere on this planet. Scientists believe that this super-Earth has boiling temperatures as high as 4,200 degrees Fahrenheit, making it unlikely to host life. However, researchers are excited about the possibility that other rocky planets with thick atmospheres may exist and could potentially be more habitable.
The planet is located 41 light-years away and orbits close to its star, resulting in permanent day and night sides. Researchers used the Webb Space Telescope to study the planet’s atmosphere, observing temperature changes as the planet passed behind its star. Evidence suggests that the planet’s heat is distributed more evenly across the surface, which is typical of an atmosphere.
Gases from the planet’s magma ocean are believed to play a role in maintaining its atmosphere. Scientists hope that studying this super-Earth will provide insight into the early evolution of planets like Earth and Mars, which may have initially had magma oceans that have since cooled. Reniu Hu, a planetary scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory involved in the research, believes this presents a unique opportunity to study the early stages of planetary evolution.
Researchers have discovered a thick atmosphere surrounding a super-Earth located in a nearby solar system.
Ian Crossfield, an astronomer at the University of Kansas who studies exoplanets made this discovery.
According to Crossfield, “This discovery provides strong evidence supporting the existence of an atmosphere on this planet.”
Super Earth planets are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune.
Crossfield stated that “While we cannot predict whether life exists on 55 Cancri e or not based solely on our observations of its atmospheric composition, we can say that it has boiling temperatures as high as 4200 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Scientists believe that other rocky planets with thick atmospheres may exist and could potentially be more habitable.