The universe in which we reside is massive beyond belief, so large in fact that we will almost certainly never see all of it. Regardless of this, science continues to search the sky in pursuit of knowledge, someday hoping to find evidence of intelligent life on other planets. Although we have yet to prove the existence of intelligent life out there, scientists have discovered many planets with very interesting properties to them.
Kepler-16b
Kepler-16b is commonly referred to as “The Tatooine Planet” due to the fact that it orbits two stars, much like Tatooine from the popular “Star Wars” series. This planet is approximately 200 light years away from our own solar system, and it is believed to be a gas giant similar in size to Saturn. Because of its unique orbits around two stars, its existence challenged our previous beliefs about planetary formation, and proved that planets were capable of forming within the complex gravitational environments created by a binary star system.
55 Cancri e
Affectionately known as “The Diamond Planet”, 55 Cancri e is a planet approximately 40 light years away from our own. This planet obtained its name due to a variety of factors relating to its size and atmosphere. The planet is about two times the size of Earth; however, due to its high density it contains 8 times the mass. The mass of this planet, combined with evidence of a carbon rich atmosphere, have led scientists to believe that at least one-third of this planet would be made of pure diamond. This would be an extremely beautiful planet to see up close, as well as one that would instantly create a mass of wealth; however, due to its mass, the surface temperature is believed to be around 2,400 degrees Celsius, meaning that we would likely burn to death before getting close enough to make better observations, much less being able to mine the planet’s resources.
HD 189733b
HD 189733b is one of the most fascinating planets that science has discovered so far. Due to its close proximity to the star it orbits, the planet is believed to be extremely hot. Alongside its high temperature, the planet also experiences obscenely violent wind speeds, reaching up to 5,400 mph. Because of these combined effects, it is believed that silicate particles melt and condense into a kind of glass rain. Any object entering the planet’s atmosphere would likely be torn to shreds instantaneously; however, because of its unique atmosphere, it has become a target for many astronomers and normal people alike. For astronomers it serves as an example of a hot Jupiter, potentially capable of providing vital knowledge about the atmospheres of similar planets. Meanwhile, for normal people, the planet’s high wind speed and glass rain gives it a beautiful, vivid, and bright blue hue, making it a one-of-a-kind sight.
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