James Webb Telescope Unveils Thick Atmosphere on Super Earth 55 Cancri e
May 10, 2024The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed a thick atmosphere on the super Earth 55 Cancri e, primarily composed of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
This discovery confirms the presence of an atmosphere around the planet, suggesting the possibility of other rocky planets with thick atmospheres.
Despite 55 Cancri e's extreme heat, which makes it inhospitable to life, the planet's study offers insights into the early stages of terrestrial planets like Earth and Mars.
Research findings, detailed in Nature, highlight the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope in advancing the study of exoplanet atmospheres.
The detection emphasizes the telescope's role in enhancing our understanding of planetary formation and evolution within our galaxy.
Summary based on 13 sources
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Sources
Forbes • May 9, 2024
Meet Janssen, A World 41 Light-Years Away That May Have An AtmosphereMashable • May 9, 2024
Webb found its strongest case yet of a rocky exoplanet with an atmosphereFox News • May 9, 2024
Scientists discover thick atmosphere enveloping rocky so-called 'super Earth' planetDigital Trends • May 9, 2024
James Webb peers at the atmosphere of a rocky hell world | Digital Trends