Webb Hints at Possible Atmosphere Surrounding Rocky Exoplanet

11 days ago

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Atmospheric gases surrounding 55 Cancri e detected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope
55 Cancri e is a hot rocky exoplanet 41 light-years from Earth
The planet is classified as a super-Earth, larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune
High temperature close to its star likely results in a molten surface
Evidence of atmospheric gases confirmed using Webb's NIRCam and MIRI instruments
Gases likely bubbling out from the interior instead of being present since formation
Research aims to study rocky planet atmospheres and early planetary conditions
Infrared data suggests the presence of volatiles like carbon monoxide and dioxide
Potential insights into habitability conditions of rocky planets
Study conducted as part of Webb's General Observers (GO) Program 1952

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