Researchers have detected a thick atmosphere around a planet known as 55 Cancri e, which is twice as big as Earth and located in a nearby solar system. This super Earth is one of the few rocky planets outside our solar system with a significant atmosphere, consisting of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, although the exact amounts are uncertain. Unlike Earth’s atmosphere, which is a blend of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases, 55 Cancri e’s atmosphere is unique in its composition.
The discovery of the atmosphere on this super Earth is considered to be the strongest evidence yet of its existence. The research, published in the journal Nature, sheds light on the planet’s atmosphere and its potential implications for the presence of other rocky planets with thick atmospheres that could potentially be more hospitable.
Despite its size, this super Earth is unlikely to host life due to its boiling temperatures reaching as high as 4,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, scientists are intrigued by the possibility of studying other similar rocky planets that may have atmospheres conducive to life. One such exoplanet, which is located 41 light years away and is significantly heavier than Earth, presents a unique opportunity for researchers to explore its atmosphere and surface conditions.
By analyzing observations from the Webb Space Telescope before and after the planet passed behind its star, researchers were able to determine the planet’s temperature and study the distribution of heat across its surface. This exploration of the super Earth’s atmosphere may provide insights into the early evolution of planets like Earth and Mars, offering a rare window into the past.
Overall, the discovery of a thick atmosphere around 55 Cancri e offers valuable information that could shape our understanding of planetary evolution and provide clues about the potential habitability of other rocky planets in our galaxy.