Astronomers have identified an ultra-dense exoplanet, K2-360 b, located 200 light-years away, that challenges our understanding of planet formation. Classified as a "super-Earth," this rocky planet is about 50% larger than Earth but 10 times more massive, making it denser than iron. It orbits a sun-like star at a distance closer than Mercury’s orbit to the Sun, completing a revolution every three days. The discovery was made using data from the Kepler Space Telescope and later confirmed with advanced observations.
Unraveling the Mystery of K2-360 b
K2-360 b’s extraordinary density implies a metallic core much larger than Earth's, likely formed under unique cosmic conditions. Scientists suggest that the planet may have lost its outer layers during its early history, possibly due to its proximity to its star. This has left behind a dense metallic remnant, providing clues about how planetary systems evolve under extreme environments.
What makes this discovery even more intriguing is the presence of a neighboring exoplanet, K2-360 c, which orbits farther out. Unlike its ultra-dense sibling, K2-360 c appears to have retained a gaseous atmosphere, suggesting that proximity to the host star plays a significant role in planetary development.
Implications for Planetary Science
This discovery not only advances our understanding of planetary diversity but also raises questions about the role of stellar radiation and gravitational interactions in shaping planetary composition. Scientists plan further studies, leveraging data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), to explore atmospheric characteristics and thermal environments around similar exoplanets.
K2-360 b exemplifies the diversity of planets beyond our solar system and underscores the complexities of planet formation. Its unique properties offer a glimpse into extreme planetary phenomena, prompting further exploration in the quest to understand our cosmic neighbors.
K2-360 b is an ultra-dense "super-Earth," a term used for rocky planets that are larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. Despite being only 1.6 times the size of Earth, this planet has a mass 7.7 times greater, making it incredibly dense—almost as heavy as lead. Its extreme density likely results from intense radiation from its nearby star, which may have stripped away its outer layers over billions of years. The planet orbits its star in a mere 21 hours, one of the shortest orbits for any known planet, making it a highly "hot" world with surface conditions that could be molten due to the extreme heat.
The discovery of K2-360 b provides a unique window into the fate of planets that form in close proximity to their stars. Its high density and the potential stripping of its outer layers point to a process where only the planet's dense, iron-rich core remains after prolonged exposure to radiation. This discovery enriches our understanding of the evolution of rocky planets and their survivability in extreme conditions.
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