Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, scientists observed an unusual exoplanet that orbits a pulsar. The object’s official classification is an exoplanet, and its mass is about the same as Jupiter. Webb’s infrared view is useful because the pulsar emits mostly gamma rays and other high-energy particles, which are invisible in the infrared; this lets researchers study the planet across its whole orbit without the star outshining it.
The planet’s atmosphere is dominated by helium and carbon and contains soot clouds. The team detected molecular carbon species rather than typical molecules like water or methane. Under the planet’s intense pressure, carbon may condense into diamonds, a composition that is hard to explain with current formation models.
Models of brightness show the pulsar’s gravity distorts the planet into a lemon shape. The system fits the rare “black widow” category, where a fast-spinning pulsar has a much smaller companion. Scientists say more observations and modelling are needed to test formation ideas and to resolve remaining controversies.
Difficult words
- exoplanet — A body that orbits a star beyond our Solar System.
- pulsar — A fast-spinning neutron star that emits pulses.
- infrared — Part of the light spectrum with longer wavelengths.
- atmosphere — Layer of gases surrounding a planet or star.
- soot — Black particles formed by incomplete burning.
- condense — Change from gas to liquid or solid.
- outshine — To appear brighter than something else.outshining
- diamond — A very hard clear mineral made of carbon.diamonds
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think astronomers need more observations and modelling for this system?
- How would observing in infrared help when a star would otherwise outshine a planet?
- What would you find interesting or strange about a planet that may contain diamonds?
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