Astronomers Discover Unusual Lemon-Shaped Planet Orbiting Pulsar

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery with the identification of a peculiar planet named PSR J2322-2650b. This planet challenges existing models of planetary formation and is approximately the size of Jupiter, but it features a unique lemon-like shape due to the gravitational pull exerted by its host pulsar. This pulsar represents the dense core left behind after a star’s life cycle, and the planet orbits it at an astonishing rate of every 7.8 hours.

The proximity of PSR J2322-2650b to its pulsar exposes it to intense high-energy radiation. Observations indicate that the atmospheric temperatures on the dayside soar to around 3,700 degrees Fahrenheit, while the nightside experiences a drastic drop to approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. The extreme conditions cause the planet to stretch and take on its unusual shape, raising questions about the nature of its atmosphere.

Unexpected Atmospheric Composition

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers conducted detailed studies of PSR J2322-2650b throughout its orbit to analyze how light transits its atmosphere. The findings revealed an unexpected composition heavily dominated by carbon-based molecules. Instead of the typical assortment of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen found in gas giants, scientists detected significant signals from carbon chains, specifically C2 and C3, while oxygen and nitrogen were noticeably scarce.

“The planet orbits a star that’s completely bizarre—the mass of the Sun, but the size of a city,” explained Michael Zhang, the lead author of the study, in a statement shared by StudyFinds. The carbon-to-oxygen ratio on this planet exceeds 100 to one, while the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio dramatically climbs above 10,000 to one. These ratios are unprecedented when compared to any known planet orbiting a typical star.

Challenges to Existing Theories

The existence of PSR J2322-2650b poses a significant challenge to current theories about planet formation around pulsars. Typically, systems like this are referred to as “black widows,” where a pulsar strips material from a companion star, often resulting in a diverse mix of elements. Researchers anticipated a more balanced atmospheric composition, but the extreme carbon dominance defies expectations.

The team explored various hypotheses to explain the planet’s unusual characteristics, including the possibility of unique stellar chemistry or the influence of carbon-rich dust. However, none of these explanations sufficiently accounted for the observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Additionally, the heating dynamics of PSR J2322-2650b differ from those of standard hot Jupiters. Gamma rays from the pulsar penetrate deeper into the atmosphere, causing wind patterns that redistribute heat in a manner that does not conform to established models. This results in the hottest regions of the planet being located in unexpected areas.

For now, PSR J2322-2650b stands out as an anomaly within the field of astronomy. While the James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed its unique atmospheric composition, the question of how this planet came to exist remains largely unanswered. The implications of this discovery may reshape our understanding of planetary formation and the conditions that lead to such extraordinary environments in the universe.