Diamond Core Planet
The exoplanet 55 Cancri e, which was identified in 2004 and resides 41 light years away, is a rocky planet characterized by its extreme heat. With temperatures
soaring to approximately 2400 degrees Celsius, enough to melt iron, its surface is believed to be an ocean of lava. The intense atmospheric pressure on the planet has compressed the carbon present, potentially forming a core of diamond. These conditions make 55 Cancri e a truly unique and extraordinary celestial body.
Glass Rain Planet
HD 189733 b, a blue planet located 64 light years away, presents a visually captivating image, resembling Earth. However, this perception is deceiving. This planet, discovered in 2005, experiences an atmosphere so hot that silica in the air transforms into glass. This causes the clouds to be filled with glass shards, leading to a peculiar phenomenon: rain made of glass. Moreover, howling winds create sideways rain or spawn destructive tornadoes, adding to the planet's hazardous environment.
Planet of Night
TrES-2b, an exoplanet detected in 2006, is distinguished by its exceptionally dark appearance, reflecting less light than coal. This is caused by its extremely high temperatures, reaching approximately 1200 degrees Celsius, which prevent the formation of clouds. Furthermore, its atmosphere is rich in light-absorbing chemicals, like vaporized potassium and sodium. While Earth reflects about 37% of incoming sunlight, and Jupiter reflects roughly 52%, TrES-2b reflects less than 1%, making it a planet perpetually shrouded in darkness.
Star-Consuming Planet
WASP-12 b, discovered in 2008, is an exoplanet that is being devoured by its host star, WASP-12. This planet's close proximity to the star causes it to be torn apart by immense gravitational forces, resulting in a comet-like tail and an egg-like shape. The extreme pressure and stellar interaction highlight the dynamic and often destructive forces shaping these celestial bodies.
Cotton Candy Planet
WASP-193 b, a gas giant identified in 2023, is located 1,181 light years from Earth, exhibiting a remarkably low density. This has led to the nickname "cotton-candy planet." Despite being around 50% larger than Jupiter, a gas giant, WASP-193 b has only about 13% of Jupiter's mass. This low density poses a significant challenge to understanding the formation and structure of such planets.
Ancient Giant Methuselah
PSR B1620−26 b, or Methuselah, is notable for its extreme age. It is one of the oldest known planets. Formed approximately 12 billion years ago, it predates Earth by a significant margin. It orbits two burnt-out stars, presenting an extraordinary view of the universe's long history, making it an exceptional object for scientific study.
Hot Ice Planet
Gliese 436b, located 32 light years from Earth, presents a paradoxical situation. It has surface temperatures around 500 degrees Celsius. Despite these high temperatures, the planet's surface is composed of a type of ice known as Ice X. The ice remains solid because of the extremely high atmospheric pressure, which is the primary factor in keeping the material frozen. This intriguing characteristic was discovered in 2004 and adds to the planet's unusual nature.
Stripped Bare Planet
TOI-849 b, discovered in 2020 and 730 light years away, has suffered the loss of its atmosphere, stripped away by the intense radiation from its star. The planet's core, the naked core of a gas giant, is all that remains, providing a glimpse into the extreme conditions that can impact planetary evolution.
