Astronomers have discovered a planet that challenges existing theories of planetary formation. Named PSR J2322-2650b, this unusual planet is comparable in size to Jupiter but exhibits a distinctive elongated shape, resembling a lemon, due to the gravitational forces exerted by its host pulsar. Orbiting this ultra-dense remnant of a dead star, the planet completes a full orbit approximately every 7.8 hours, placing it in close proximity to the pulsar, which bombards it with high-energy radiation.
The conditions on PSR J2322-2650b are extreme. Observations indicate that atmospheric temperatures soar to around 3,700 degrees Fahrenheit on the dayside, while the nightside cools to about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat and gravitational pull distort the planet’s shape, leading to its striking lemon-like appearance.
Unexpected Atmospheric Composition
Utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers conducted a comprehensive study of the planet as it orbited its pulsar. They aimed to analyze how light passed through its atmosphere but were surprised by their findings. Instead of the expected combination of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, the spectrum revealed an abundance of carbon-based molecules. Prominent signals from carbon chains, specifically C2 and C3, emerged clearly, while oxygen and nitrogen appeared notably scarce.
According to Michael Zhang, lead author of the study, “The planet orbits a star that’s completely bizarre—the mass of the Sun, but the size of a city. This is a new type of planet atmosphere that nobody has ever seen before.” The ratios of carbon to oxygen and nitrogen are staggering, exceeding 100 to one for carbon to oxygen and more than 10,000 to one for carbon to nitrogen. No known planet around a typical star comes close to such extreme figures, raising questions that current planetary formation theories cannot adequately address.
Unexplained Heating Patterns
The heating characteristics of PSR J2322-2650b also diverge from those observed in traditional hot Jupiters. In this case, gamma rays penetrate deeper into the atmosphere, influencing wind patterns that shift heat westward rather than away from the pulsar. The hottest regions of the planet do not align with predictions made by standard models.
The discovery of PSR J2322-2650b highlights the complexities of planetary formation and the potential for unique atmospheric conditions around pulsars. Although the James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed its peculiar characteristics, the mechanisms behind its formation remain a mystery. As researchers continue to explore this extraordinary planet, it stands as a significant outlier in our understanding of planetary science.
