Researchers have recently reported the discovery of a dense atmosphere surrounding a super Earth planet named 55 Cancri e, which is twice the size of Earth. This rocky planet, located in a nearby solar system, is enveloped in a mixture of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, although the exact composition remains uncertain. In contrast, Earth's atmosphere consists of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and other gases.
The presence of a significant atmosphere around 55 Cancri e provides strong evidence of its atmospheric conditions, according to experts in exoplanet studies. The findings, published in the journal Nature, shed light on the unique characteristics of this super Earth.
Super Earth planets are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune, with extreme temperatures that make them inhospitable for life. Despite this, scientists view the detection of a thick atmosphere on 55 Cancri e as a promising sign that similar rocky planets with habitable conditions may exist elsewhere.
Located 41 light years away, this exoplanet is eight times more massive than Earth and orbits its star, Copernicus, at a close distance, resulting in permanent day and night sides. The planet's surface is covered with magma oceans, contributing to its intriguing geological features.
Researchers utilized observations from the Webb Space Telescope to analyze the planet's atmosphere. By studying the light emitted by the planet as it passed behind its star, they were able to estimate its temperature and observe the distribution of heat across its surface, a characteristic associated with atmospheres.
It is believed that gases released from the magma oceans on 55 Cancri e play a crucial role in stabilizing its atmosphere. Exploring this super Earth could offer valuable insights into the early evolution of planets, including Earth and Mars, which may have also had magma oceans in their past.
This groundbreaking research provides a rare opportunity to study the early phases of planet formation and evolution, offering a glimpse into the complex processes that shape celestial bodies in our universe.
