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Theory-Defying Exoplanet Atmospheres Force a Rethink of Theories

August 27, 2026
Theory-Defying Exoplanet Atmospheres Force a Rethink of Theories
By Evan Gough (https://ift.tt/xtVovU0)

This artist's illustration shows the exoplanet 55 Cancri e. It's a super-Earth that is so close to its star that its a lava world, or magma ocean. But recent JWST observations show it has a thick atmosphere. That's challenging our theories of how atmospheres escape and forcing a rethink of the 'cosmic shoreline.' Image Credit: ESA/Hubble, M. Kornmesser

The discovery of lava worlds with atmospheres is challenging our theories of how atmospheres escape, and calling into question the idea of the cosmic shoreline. Stanford researchers have developed a model that explains how lava-covered worlds close to their stars can retain their atmospheres. The new theory could inform the search for life beyond our Solar System.



August 28, 2026 at 01:10AM
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