Scientists have discovered evidence of an atmosphere surrounding a super Earth planet located in a nearby solar system. This planet, known as 55 Cancri e, is twice the size of Earth and has a significant atmosphere composed of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. While the exact composition of the atmosphere remains unknown, Earth’s atmosphere is made up of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and other gases.
The discovery of an atmosphere around 55 Cancri e is strong evidence supporting the existence of an atmosphere on this planet. According to Ian Crossfield, an astronomer at the University of Kansas who studies exoplanets, this research was published in the journal Nature.
Super Earth planets are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. 55 Cancri e has boiling temperatures reaching as high as 4,200 degrees Fahrenheit, making it unlikely to host life. However, scientists believe this discovery is a promising indication that other rocky planets with thick atmospheres may exist and could potentially be more habitable.
The planet is located 41 light years away and is much heavier than Earth. It orbits its star closely, resulting in permanent day and night sides. Researchers used the Webb Space Telescope to study the planet’s atmosphere by observing changes in temperature as the planet passed behind its star. Evidence suggests that the planet’s heat is distributed more evenly across its surface, a characteristic typical of atmospheres.
Scientists believe that gases from the planet’s magma oceans play a role in maintaining its atmosphere. Studying this super Earth could provide insights into the early evolution of planets like Earth and Mars which may have initially had magma oceans that have since cooled. Renyu Hu, a planetary scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory involved in the research views this as a unique opportunity to explore the early phases of planet evolution.
This discovery marks yet another step towards understanding our universe better and uncovering new secrets about our place within it.
In conclusion, researchers have detected an atmosphere around a super-Earth planet located in a nearby solar system that is twice the size of Earth. The discovery provides strong evidence supporting the existence of an atmosphere on this planet and suggests that other rocky planets with thick atmospheres may exist and could potentially be more habitable.
The study was published in Nature and was led by Ian Crossfield from the University of Kansas who studies exoplanets.
While we know little about 55 Cancri e’s specific composition or how it formed its thick atmosphere, we do know that gases from magma oceans are believed to play a role in maintaining it.
Furthermore, scientists hope that studying this super-Earth will provide insights into early stages of planet evolution on earth-like planets.