Diamond Core Planet
The rocky planet 55 Cancri e, discovered in 2004 and located 41 light years away, offers an extreme example of planetary transformation. With temperatures
soaring to approximately 2400 degrees Celsius—hot enough to melt iron—its surface is thought to be a sea of lava. Due to intense atmospheric pressure, the carbon within this planet is likely compressed into a diamond core. This makes it a stunning case of celestial alchemy, converting what might be simple carbon into something incredibly valuable, albeit under conditions completely unsuited for life as we know it.
Glass Rain Planet
HD 189733 b, a blue planet situated 64 light years from Earth and identified in 2005, exhibits a surprising and dangerous beauty. Its vibrant cobalt hue is due to a sweltering atmosphere, which has turned the silica in its air into glass. This results in a rain of glass shards. Moreover, this planet experiences ferocious winds that can whip the glass rain sideways, or even into catastrophic tornadoes. It highlights how familiar elements can create drastically different, and in this instance, incredibly hostile, environments in the cosmos.
Planet of Night
TrES-2b, discovered in 2006, holds the title of the darkest known exoplanet. Its darkness surpasses even coal, reflecting less than 1% of the light it receives. The reason for this is the extreme heat, around 1200 degrees Celsius, which prevents cloud formation. Additionally, its atmosphere is filled with light-absorbing chemicals, such as vaporized potassium and sodium. In contrast, Earth reflects about 37% of the light it receives, and Jupiter reflects around 52%. TrES-2b provides a stark contrast, showcasing how planetary atmospheres and compositions dictate their appearance and light-reflecting properties.
Being Eaten By Star
WASP-12 b, discovered in 2008, demonstrates the destructive forces that can be found in space. The planet orbits so close to its star, WASP-12, that the star is actively consuming it. The gravitational pressure on WASP-12 b is so substantial that the planet is being pulled apart. This process has given it a comet-like tail and an egg-like shape, underscoring the dramatic effects of extreme proximity to a star on a celestial body. This offers a compelling example of how stellar dynamics can affect planetary bodies.
Cotton Candy World
WASP-193 b, a gas giant found in 2023 and located 1,181 light-years away, presents a unique case of low density, earning it the nickname “cotton-candy planet.” Despite being about 50% larger than Jupiter, it has only 13% of Jupiter's mass. To provide some context, Jupiter is itself a gas giant. This unusual combination results in a planet with a density that is remarkably low. This peculiar characteristic makes WASP-193 b a standout among the gas giants and offers insights into planetary formation and composition.
Ancient Giant
PSR B1620−26 b, also known as Methuselah, is distinguished by its age, making it one of the oldest planets discovered. Formed approximately 12 billion years ago, it orbits two dead stars. In comparison, Earth is only around 4.5 billion years old. The discovery of Methuselah provides a window into the early universe and enhances our understanding of planetary development over cosmic timescales. This ancient planet challenges traditional notions about planet ages and is a compelling research subject for those exploring the origins of the universe.
Hot Ice Planet
Gliese 436b, discovered in 2004 and residing 32 light years from Earth, presents a paradoxical feature: ice on a hot planet. Despite its surface temperatures hovering around 500 degrees Celsius, the planet’s surface is composed of a form of ice. This is because of the high atmospheric pressure, which prevents the ice from melting. It's the pressure, not the temperature, that keeps this ice solid. This highlights the complex interplay of physical conditions that can lead to unexpected planetary phenomena, showing how extreme environments create novel material states.
Stripped Core
TOI-849 b, discovered in 2020 and located 730 light-years away, showcases a planet that has been drastically altered. The planet's atmosphere has been completely stripped away by the intense radiation from its star. The only remaining structure is the exposed core of this gas giant. This makes it a unique specimen for studying the effects of extreme stellar radiation on planetary bodies, providing a direct example of how external forces can reshape the composition of planets. It is a rare and compelling case of cosmic environmental impact.
