Diamond Core Planet
The planet 55 Cancri e, discovered in 2004 and situated 41 light years away, is a rocky marvel, enduring extreme heat. Its surface is a molten ocean reaching
about 2400 degrees Celsius, which is hot enough to melt iron. Due to immense atmospheric pressure, some of its carbon has likely crystallized into a diamond core. This alien world is a testament to the diverse conditions that can exist in the cosmos, with its extreme temperatures and possible geological composition shaping its unique features. It challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, demonstrating the possibility of exotic materials within exoplanets. The planet's existence prompts questions about how such a high-pressure environment could lead to the formation of a diamond core, and what other unexpected elements might exist within it.
Glass Rain World
HD 189733 b, a blue planet located 64 light years away and discovered in 2005, may appear Earth-like, but it is far from it. Its vibrant blue color comes from an atmosphere heated to extraordinary levels, transforming silica into glass. The planet's weather is characterized by glass shards in the clouds and rain, along with howling winds that create sideways rain and violent tornadoes. The presence of silicate glass highlights the extreme chemical reactions that can occur on exoplanets, influenced by intense heat and unique atmospheric compositions. The atmospheric dynamics of HD 189733 b present a captivating and dangerous image, emphasizing the planet's striking divergence from typical planetary characteristics. These atmospheric conditions make this planet uninhabitable.
Eternal Night Planet
The exoplanet TrES-2b, discovered in 2006, is exceptionally dark, reflecting less light than coal. Its temperature, estimated at around 1200 degrees Celsius, is so high that it cannot support clouds. Furthermore, its atmosphere is filled with light-absorbing chemicals, such as vaporized potassium and sodium. While Earth reflects about 37% of the sunlight it receives and Jupiter reflects roughly 52%, TrES-2b reflects less than 1%. This low reflectivity led to its nickname, 'the planet of eternal night.' The absence of reflected light makes TrES-2b a captivating research subject, revealing insights into the interaction of an exoplanet's atmosphere with intense stellar radiation. Its extreme darkness reveals aspects of atmospheric compositions and planetary heating mechanisms within exoplanets.
Snack Planet
WASP-12 b, detected in 2008, is being devoured by its sun, WASP-12. Its close proximity to its star results in the planet being pulled apart by gravitational forces, creating a comet-like tail and a somewhat egg-like shape. This situation represents a dramatic example of a planet's ultimate fate, showing the effects of stellar interactions. The intense tidal forces affecting WASP-12 b provide scientists with the chance to understand how planets degrade in extreme circumstances. The unusual form of WASP-12 b highlights the impact of strong gravitational influences on a planetary object, demonstrating the continuous effects of a star on the celestial bodies near it.
Cotton Candy World
WASP-193 b, discovered in 2023 and located 1,181 light years from Earth, has a remarkably low density, leading to its nickname, the 'cotton-candy planet.' With a size roughly 50% greater than Jupiter but only 13% of Jupiter's mass, it showcases extreme differences in density. This low density challenges standard planetary composition models and promotes further research on exoplanetary structures. This planet's composition could be made up of a mixture of lighter elements like hydrogen and helium, combined in an unusual way. WASP-193 b encourages planetary studies to explore a range of compositions, pushing the current boundaries of planetary science. The unusual characteristics highlight the diverse composition and structural forms possible within the universe.
Ancient Giant
PSR B1620−26 b, nicknamed Methuselah, is one of the oldest planets ever discovered, dating back approximately 12 billion years—far older than our 4.5-billion-year-old Earth. It orbits two burnt-out stars. The age of PSR B1620−26 b offers key details about the early formation of planets. The longevity of this celestial body prompts questions regarding the stability of planets in binary star systems and their long-term evolution. This data allows scientists to gain insight into the formation and evolution of planets. Its ancient status reveals aspects of galactic history.
Ice X Planet
Gliese 436b, located 32 light years from Earth, presents a unique state of matter. Its surface temperatures hover around 500 degrees Celsius. However, due to exceptionally high atmospheric pressure, its surface is made of a type of ice known as Ice X, which remains solid despite the heat. The planet's conditions provide a contrast between high temperatures and the solid-state presence of water. The nature of Gliese 436 b shows that the state of matter of a planet depends more on the environment than simply temperature. The planet's peculiar composition highlights how atmospheric pressure can greatly influence materials and their molecular structures.
Stripped Bare Planet
TOI-849 b, detected in 2020 and situated 730 light years away, has been stripped of its atmosphere by the intense radiation from its star, leaving behind only the core of a gas giant. The remnants of a gas giant with its stripped atmosphere represents a turning point in planetary science, showing the extreme power of stellar radiation on a planet's composition. TOI-849 b provides a close view of the processes that cause atmospheric loss and the lasting effects on a planet’s core. The core of a gas giant offers an unparalleled view of a planet's inner structure and its evolution over long periods, as influenced by its stellar environment. Its composition raises questions about how planetary atmospheres are lost and reveals the impact of a star's radiation on the planetary formation.
