Astronomers have recently discovered a new exoplanet using the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) Telescope, and it is not like anything we have ever seen before. The planet, known as TOI 849 b, has been found to have an unusual atmosphere, according to a new study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Exoplanets are planets outside of our Solar System that orbit stars, and they are a crucial area of study in astronomy. Finding exoplanets can help us understand the origins of our own Solar System and the possibilities of life outside of Earth. The discoveries of exoplanets have been increasing in recent years, and the search for life on other planets has intensified.
TOI 849 b is a gas giant that orbits extremely close to its star, completing one orbit in just 18 hours. It is approximately 730 light-years away from Earth and has a radius around 1.55 times that of Jupiter. However, what sets this exoplanet apart from others is the presence of a strange, thick atmosphere that is rich in metals.
The team of researchers discovered TOI 849 b using the method of transit photometry, which involves measuring the light coming from a star and detecting dips in brightness caused by a planet passing in front of it. They then used the CHIME telescope to analyze the planet’s atmosphere by observing its radio emissions.
They found that the atmosphere of TOI 849 b contains a large amount of iron and titanium, which are usually only found in the cores of planets. This suggests that the exoplanet may have formed in a different way than traditional gas giants.
The lead author of the study, David Wilson of MIT, said in a statement, “TOI 849 b is the most massive, dense, and metal-rich exoplanet we’ve ever seen, and it orbits one of the most metal-poor stars we’ve ever observed.”
The study does not provide any evidence of life on the exoplanet, but it is a significant discovery in the search for planets with unusual characteristics outside of our Solar System. It opens the door to further studies on the compositions and structures of gas giants in other systems.
In conclusion, the discovery of TOI 849 b and its unusual atmosphere is a significant step toward the discovery of new exoplanets with unique characteristics. This discovery shows the potential of CHIME and other telescopes in discovering more exoplanets that can help us understand the evolution of planetary systems and the possibility of life in other parts of the universe.