Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:19am on 09 May 2024,Thursday Science
Scientists have discovered a thick atmosphere around 55 Cancri e, a rocky "super Earth" planet twice the size of our own. The atmosphere, composed of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, was detected using the Webb Space Telescope. This finding provides strong evidence for the existence of an atmosphere on this exoplanet, which orbits its star at extremely close proximity, resulting in boiling temperatures and permanent day and night sides. While unlikely to host life, this discovery suggests that other rocky planets with thick atmospheres could exist, potentially harboring life. The study offers insights into the evolution of Earth and Mars, making 55 Cancri e a valuable target for further research.
