Two extraordinary exoplanets, 55 cancers e And PSR J1719−1438 Bhave captured the attention of astronomers for their exceptionally rich carbon composition, to the point of having been nicknamed “Diamante planets”. The physical and chemical characteristics of these celestial bodies are offering new perspectives on the diversity of the planets outside our solar system.
55 cancers e
Located to about 41 light years from the earthin the constellation of cancer, 55 cancers e It is an exoplanet classified as super-ter. Its dimensions are almost double compared to our planetwhile his mass is eight times higher. This celestial body orbit very close to his mother starcompleting a complete orbit in just 18 hours. This proximity causes an extreme surface temperature, which can exceed 2,400 degrees Celsius.
Initially, on the basis of the measurements of the mass and the radius, the scientists hypothesized that the interior of 55 cancers and could be rich in graphite and diamondsmaking it a possible “diamond planet”. However, subsequent analyzes of the chemical composition of its host star revealed a carbon/oxygen ratio lower than expectedquestioning this fascinating theory.
The most recent searches, conducted thanks to James Webb spatial telescopehowever, have opened new scenarios. The observations identified Signs of a carbon -rich atmospherewith the possible presence of gas like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. This clue supports the idea that the planet can have an even more complex internal composition than so hypothesized so far.
PSR J1719−1438 B
Much further away, to about 4,000 light years from the earthin the constellation of the snake, there is another fascinating celestial object: PSR J1719−1438 B. This exoplanet orbit around a Pulsar in Millisecondi and it is Just more massive than Jupiterbut with a radius 60% lower compared to the gaseous giant of our sun system. The result is a surprising density, 23 times higher than that of water.
This abnormal density suggests that PSR J1719−1438 B is largely composed of carbon and oxygenand that carbon is present in crystalline formsimilar to the diamond. Scientists believe that it is residual nucleus of a white dwarfwhose external parts have been torn away by Pulsar. The result is an incredibly dense and compact object, the structure of which could be largely made up of material similar to pure diamond.
These discoveries offer An extraordinary testimony of the variety of worlds beyond our solar systemrevealing planetary bodies that challenge our traditional conceptions on the formation and composition of the planets. While the analyzes continue, advanced tools such as the James Webb Space Telescope They are opening new windows on A cosmos full of exotic materials and extreme conditionsfeeding the dream of finding out what is really hidden in the most remote boundaries of the universe.
