Diamond Core's Glow
One of the most astonishing discoveries, 55 Cancri e, resides 41 light-years away, presenting a planet made of rock. Temperatures on this planet reach
an astounding 2400 degrees Celsius, enough to melt iron. This scorching heat leads to extreme atmospheric pressure, potentially compressing the carbon into a diamond core. This planet is a stellar example of the incredible variety and extreme conditions that can exist within the universe, challenging our perception of what a planet can be. The existence of a diamond core highlights the impact of intense conditions on planetary composition.
Glass-Raining Planet
HD 189733 b, situated 64 light-years away, appears Earth-like from a distance. However, this blue planet presents a terrifying environment. The atmosphere of this planet is so hot that the silica within it has transformed into glass. Consequently, the clouds are filled with glass shards, leading to rain made of glass. Exacerbating the hazardous conditions are fierce winds, generating sideways storms and destructive tornadoes. These conditions underscore the extreme variety found in planetary atmospheres, demonstrating how external conditions can dramatically alter the atmosphere.
Planet of Eternal Night
TrES-2b, also known as the planet of eternal night, reflects less light than coal, making it incredibly dark. Temperatures here reach around 1200 degrees Celsius, too hot to sustain clouds. Moreover, the atmosphere contains light-absorbing chemicals, particularly vaporized potassium and sodium. While Earth reflects about 37% of the sun's light, and Jupiter reflects approximately 52%, TrES-2b reflects less than 1%. This planet's darkness reflects the diverse ways in which light interacts with different planetary atmospheres. This darkness makes it a standout example of how exoplanets can be dramatically different from the familiar environments of our solar system.
Star-Swallowing Planet
WASP-12 b orbits its star, WASP-12, so closely that it is gradually being consumed. Discovered in 2008, the planet's proximity to the sun results in it being stretched and pulled apart by immense gravitational forces. This leads to a comet-like tail and an egg-like shape. The pressure exerted on the planet by the star is immense, demonstrating how gravitational forces can dramatically shape planets. The eventual destruction of WASP-12 b offers an unusual look into how stars can impact the lifespan and composition of other celestial objects.
Cotton-Candy World
The gas giant WASP-193 b, discovered in 2023, is 1,181 light-years away and has incredibly low density, earning it the nickname “cotton-candy planet”. It is about 50% bigger than Jupiter. However, it has only 13% of Jupiter’s mass. The density suggests that the planet has an unusual composition, differing significantly from the more dense structures of other gas giants. This planet's characteristics challenge preconceived notions of planetary composition and density.
Ancient Giant Methuselah
PSR B1620−26 b, nicknamed Methuselah, is exceptionally old, dating back to approximately 12 billion years ago. This planet orbits two dead stars. Its age provides insights into the formation and development of planetary systems. Its existence offers valuable data for understanding how planets can survive for extended periods, offering a unique perspective into the timeline of celestial structures and planetary formation.
Hot Ice Planet
Gliese 436b, situated 32 light-years from Earth, features a surface temperature of around 500 degrees Celsius. However, its surface is made of a special form of ice, Ice X, that is kept solid by immense atmospheric pressure rather than the cold temperature. The atmospheric pressure prevents the ice from melting. This planet offers scientists unique opportunities to investigate unusual forms of matter, and its unusual nature offers a look into how extreme conditions can affect the state of elements.
Stripped Bare Planet
TOI-849 b has had its atmosphere completely stripped away due to radiation from its sun, leaving behind only the naked core of a gas giant. The planet, discovered in 2020, is located 730 light-years away. This stripped-down planet provides vital insights into how stars can affect the longevity of a planet. The study of this planet offers key information about how planets can be altered by extreme solar activity.
