Diamond Core Planet
Orbiting 41 light-years away, 55 Cancri e, discovered in 2004, is a rocky planet with extreme conditions. Temperatures on its surface soar to approximately
2400 degrees Celsius—hot enough to melt iron. The intense atmospheric pressure is thought to have compressed the carbon within the planet, resulting in a diamond core. This celestial body presents a stark contrast to Earth, showcasing how different planetary compositions can lead to extraordinary outcomes. The very idea of a diamond core highlights the wide range of materials that can exist within planets beyond our own solar system.
Planet of Glass Rain
HD 189733 b, a blue planet located 64 light-years away, might appear Earth-like from afar, but its atmosphere holds a deadly secret. Discovered in 2005, the planet's cobalt blue color arises from its scorching atmosphere, which has turned silica into glass. The clouds contain shards of glass, and this material rains down in sideways-blowing, tornado-like storms. This planet is a stark reminder of the violent and volatile nature of certain planetary environments, showing conditions wildly dissimilar to those supporting life as we know it. The extreme weather conditions make this planet a hostile environment.
Eternal Night's Realm
TrES-2b is a planet known for its extreme darkness, reflecting less light than coal. Located 1200 degrees Celsius, it is too hot to support clouds, which contributes to its darkness. Its atmosphere is filled with light-absorbing chemicals, such as vaporized potassium and sodium. Discovered in 2006, TrES-2b reflects less than 1% of the light it receives from its sun. In comparison, Earth reflects about 37% of the light, and Jupiter reflects about 52%. This planet is often referred to as the planet of eternal night. The planet's dark characteristics showcase the diversity of planetary atmospheres and their capacity to alter light reflection.
The Snack Planet
WASP-12 b, discovered in 2008, is a planet currently being consumed by its star, WASP-12. The planet orbits its sun so closely that the star is tearing it apart. The immense pressure has given it a comet-like tail and an egg-like shape. This planet's existence underscores the dynamic and often destructive nature of some star-planet interactions. The eventual disintegration of WASP-12 b serves as a cautionary tale about the life cycle of planets and the impact of their proximity to their stars.
Cotton Candy World
WASP-193 b, a gas giant discovered in 2023, is located 1,181 light-years away and is nicknamed the “cotton-candy planet” because of its incredibly low density. It is about 50% bigger than Jupiter but has only 13% of its mass, which showcases the variety in planetary structures. This planet is an interesting example of how density and composition can greatly vary across exoplanets. Its unusual properties continue to intrigue astronomers, who seek to understand how such a planet could have come into being.
The Ancient Giant
PSR B1620−26 b, discovered in 2003, has earned the nickname Methuselah because it is one of the oldest planets ever found. It formed approximately 12 billion years ago, orbiting two burnt-out stars. This planet is a testament to the longevity of celestial bodies. Its survival provides a window into the early universe and the conditions that allowed for the formation of planets. The study of Methuselah helps us understand the evolution of planetary systems over cosmic timescales.
Orb of Hot Ice
Gliese 436b, situated 32 light-years from Earth, boasts surface temperatures around 500 degrees Celsius. Yet, its surface is composed of a type of ice, Ice X, due to the exceptionally high atmospheric pressure that prevents it from melting. Discovered in 2004, this planet illustrates the impact of pressure on the physical states of matter. This illustrates that temperature alone does not determine a substance's state. This planet challenges the typical ideas about what ice can be, and under what conditions it can exist.
Stripped Bare Planet
TOI-849 b, discovered in 2020, is a gas giant that has had its atmosphere entirely stripped away by the intense radiation from its star, leaving behind only its naked core. Located 730 light-years away, this planet serves as a model for other planets where the atmospheres have been removed by radiation. The study of TOI-849 b offers essential insights into the processes involved in planetary evolution. The planet's naked core provides researchers an opportunity to study the internal make-up of a gas giant without an atmosphere.
