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Exotic Exoplanet Orbits Dead Star, Stretches to Lemon Shape
19 Dec
Summary
- Lemon-shaped gas giant PSR J2322-2650b orbits a neutron star.
- Its exotic atmosphere contains molecular carbon, baffling scientists.
- Temperatures range from 650°C to 2,030°C due to extreme proximity.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has revealed PSR J2322-2650b, a gas giant with a striking lemon shape, challenging established theories of planetary formation. This exoplanet orbits a pulsar, the dense core of a dead star, located 750 light-years from Earth. Its unique composition, featuring an exotic atmosphere of carbon and helium where soot might form diamonds, has scientists baffled.
The planet is subjected to intense gamma-ray bombardment and gravitational forces from its pulsar, causing its unusual elongated form and extreme temperature variations. Daytime temperatures soar to 2,030°C (3,700°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to 650°C (1,200°F). This is the only known gas giant to orbit a neutron star, a feat previously thought improbable due to the star's destructive radiation and gravity.
Further analysis by the JWST indicated an atmosphere dominated by molecular carbon (C3 and C2), a composition never before seen on an exoplanet. Researchers are struggling to explain its formation, as known mechanisms do not account for such extreme carbon enrichment. This perplexing discovery opens new avenues for understanding the diverse and often unexpected nature of planets beyond our solar system.
