Washington – Scientists have discovered a rocky exoplanet with an atmosphere, marking a significant milestone in the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system. This “super-Earth” is larger than our planet but smaller than Neptune, with a surface covered in molten rock that rules out any possibility of supporting life.
The planet, known as 55 Cancri e or Janssen, orbits close to a star similar to our sun, completing an orbit every 18 hours. Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope revealed the presence of an atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, along with other gases like water vapor and sulfur dioxide. The exact composition of the atmosphere remains uncertain, as does its thickness, which could be comparable to Earth’s or even thicker than Venus’.
Despite the exciting find, researchers are quick to note that 55 Cancri e is not a hospitable place. Its scorching surface temperature of 3,140 degrees Fahrenheit makes it too hot for liquid water to exist, a key ingredient for life as we know it. Additionally, the planet is likely tidally locked, meaning one side always faces the star while the other remains in perpetual darkness.
While the planet’s harsh conditions make it unsuitable for life, the discovery of an atmosphere on a rocky exoplanet is a significant breakthrough. Previous findings of atmospheres were limited to gaseous planets, making this discovery a step forward in understanding the diversity of worlds beyond our solar system.
Researchers speculate that gases released from the planet’s vast ocean of magma may contribute to replenishing the atmosphere, despite the intense radiation and winds expected to strip it away. This unique feature challenges current understanding of rocky exoplanets and opens up new possibilities for studying similar worlds in the future.
As scientists continue to push the boundaries of exoplanet exploration, the hope remains that future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope could reveal cooler planets with the potential to support liquid water on their surfaces. While 55 Cancri e may not be habitable, its discovery sheds new light on the complexities of distant worlds and the conditions needed to support life.