The Webb telescope is completing the adjustment process.at NASA, just a few weeks after
55 Cancri e
55 Cancri e is a rocky planet that is twotimes larger than Earth and eight times heavier. It rotates at a distance of less than 2.4 million km from its star (this is 25 times less than the distance from Mercury to the Sun). A year on such a planet lasts only 18 hours. In previous studies, scientists have shown that this planet appears to be rich in carbon. And the temperature and pressure create ideal conditions for the formation of diamonds. Previously, Hi-Tech spoke in detail about the diamond planets.
Planets that are so close to their ownstar, as a rule, are in synchronous rotation (tidal capture). One side of such a planet is always turned towards the star. For such planets, the hottest point is in the center of the day side, and the amount of heat coming from this side does not change significantly with time.
However, previous studies of 55 Cancri e by the Spitzer Space Telescope have shown that the hottest spot is offset from thePlanetary scientists have put forward two possible theories that would explain such an anomaly.
First, the planet can be densean atmosphere that promotes the movement of heat. And besides, the planet can be in a 3:2 resonance, like Mercury. In this case, the rotation is not synchronous, but for every two revolutions around the star, the planet rotates three times around its axis.
The researchers believe that the near camerainfrared (NIRCam) and mid-infrared instrument (MIRI) installed on the Webb telescope will help capture the spectrum of the planet's thermal radiation and show how things really are.
LHS 3844b
The second planet, LHS 3844 b, was chosen because of its lack of atmosphere and low temperature.It also orbits very close to its star and commitsBut because its star is relatively small and cool, the planet's surface can'tmelt.
Scientists believe that in the absence of an atmosphere, MIRIwill be able to capture the spectrum of thermal radiation from the dayside of LHS 3844 b. The spectra of different rocks are different, so comparison with data from known rocks such as basalt and granite will help determine the structure of this planet. Also, if the planet is volcanically active, the spectrum will also show traces of volcanic gases.
Cover image: Artistic illustration of the planet 55 Cancri e. Source: NASA, ESA, CSA, Dani Player (STScI)
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