Discovering a Second Atmosphere on a Super-Earth: The Fascinating Journey of 55 Cancri e

Astronomers have discovered a unique exoplanet, known as 55 Cancri e, using the James Webb telescope. This planet is nearly twice as wide as Earth and nine times more massive, making it a member of the super-Earth group of exoplanets. It is located about 41 light-years from the solar system and is hypothesized to be composed mainly of carbon compressed into diamond due to its high density.

The intense radiation from its host star, 55 Cancri A, caused 55 Cancri e to lose its original atmosphere, much like other rocky planets in similar close orbits. However, recent research published in Nature revealed that the planet has developed a second atmosphere around it.

This second atmosphere could be supported by gas escaping from the planet’s rock layer due to its proximity to the host star and the intense heat it receives. Initial observations using the Hubble space telescope in 2016 suggested that 55 Cancri e’s atmosphere contained hydrogen and helium. Further studies using the James Webb Space Telescope ruled out the possibility of a hot lava world and indicated that volcanic activity on the planet may have played a role in the development of its second atmosphere.

While the exact composition of this unique exoplanet’s second atmosphere remains under investigation, models suggest that it may contain significant amounts of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The discovery of this diverse exoplanetary system highlights