New Discovery of Thick Atmosphere on Super-Earth Suggests Potential Existence of Other Habitable Planets.

Scientists have discovered a thick atmosphere surrounding a super Earth called 55 Cancri e, located in a nearby solar system. This planet is twice the size of Earth and one of the few rocky planets outside our solar system with a significant atmosphere, consisting of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. While the exact composition of these gases remains unknown, unlike Earth’s atmosphere which is made up of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and other gases.

This groundbreaking discovery was published in the journal Nature and provides strong evidence that 55 Cancri e has an atmosphere. The extreme temperatures on this exoplanet, reaching up to 4,200 degrees Fahrenheit, make it unlikely to support life. However, scientists believe that this finding indicates the potential existence of other rocky planets with thick atmospheres that may be more conducive to life.

Researchers used the Webb Space Telescope to analyze the planet’s atmosphere and temperature distribution. By studying the data gathered from the telescope, researchers were able to determine that the planet’s heat was distributed more evenly across its surface, a characteristic of atmospheres. The presence of gases from its magma oceans may play a crucial role in maintaining its atmosphere. Scientists believe that exploring this super Earth could provide insights into the early phases of planet evolution and offer clues about how Earth and Mars may have evolved with magma oceans that have since cooled.

This research is facilitated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and offers a rare opportunity to learn about 55 Cancri e’s development.