NASA's James Webb Space Telescope reveals a strange atmosphere on a hellish lava planet

Fifty-five Cancri e is an exoplanet where temperatures are hot enough to melt rock—and NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has revealed it harbors something unexpected: a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. According to ScienceDaily, this atmosphere is shaped by gases escaping from the planet's molten interior. Scientists suggest that volcanic outgassing on this hellish world may even create temporary clouds.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton