A Rocky Planet With A Surprising Secret

A Distant Planet Defies Expectations

A planet far away has surprised scientists. TOI-561 b, located 280 light-years from Earth, is a hot, lava-covered world unlike our own.

Initial Assumptions

Scientists initially believed that TOI-561 b was too small and too hot to retain an atmosphere. However, new evidence suggests otherwise.

The James Webb Space Telescope's Findings

The James Webb Space Telescope, a powerful tool for studying distant planets, discovered that TOI-561 b is cooler than expected. This indicates the presence of a thick layer of gases around the planet.

Atmospheric Properties

These gases can absorb and spread heat, a surprising finding given the planet's proximity to its star. The star's intense radiation should have stripped away any atmosphere.

A Dynamic Atmosphere

Scientists propose that the planet's atmosphere is in a constant state of flux. Gases escape into space, but new gases are also released from the planet's interior, maintaining a delicate balance.

Ancient Origins

TOI-561 b is remarkably old, possibly dating back to the early days of the Milky Way galaxy. This discovery suggests that rocky planets have been forming for a very long time.

Challenging Conventional Wisdom

The discovery challenges what scientists thought about ultra-short-period planets, which orbit very close to their stars. These planets were believed to be unable to retain an atmosphere, but TOI-561 b is proving them wrong.

Implications for Planetary Science

This finding is significant as it shows that planets can have atmospheres in unexpected places. It also highlights that the universe has been forming rocky planets for a very long time, prompting scientists to re-evaluate their understanding of planets and their atmospheres.