JWST Unveils a Carbon-Atmosphere Planet Around a “Black Widow” Star, The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made another breathtaking discovery: a distant exoplanet cloaked in a carbon-rich atmosphere while orbiting a rare type of pulsar known as a “black widow” star.
This finding not only pushes the boundaries of astronomical research but also challenges long-held theories about how planets form and survive in extreme environments.
What Is a Black Widow Star?
Black widow stars are a special class of millisecond pulsars—ultra-dense, rapidly spinning remnants of massive stars.
They emit intense beams of radiation and can slowly consume their companion planets or stars, much like the notorious spider that inspired their name.
Finding a planet in stable orbit around such a hostile object is surprising enough, but a world with an all-carbon atmosphere makes the discovery historic.
A First-of-Its-Kind Atmosphere
Using JWST’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec), astronomers identified strong chemical signatures of carbon molecules, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, while detecting very little hydrogen or oxygen.
This suggests that the planet’s atmosphere may be dominated by carbon—something scientists have theorized but never confirmed on this scale.
Dr. Lila Simmons, an astrophysicist at the Space Science Institute, commented that “a carbon-heavy atmosphere could mean exotic weather patterns and surface conditions far different from anything in our solar system.”
Why the Discovery Matters
- Planetary Evolution:
Most known exoplanets have atmospheres rich in hydrogen and helium.
A carbon-only envelope hints at unique planetary formation processes or extreme atmospheric loss. - Life Possibilities:
Although the planet is unlikely to host life as we know it, carbon is the backbone of organic chemistry.
Understanding carbon-rich worlds can inform our search for alternative life-supporting environments. - Survival in Harsh Conditions:
Orbiting a black widow pulsar means enduring intense radiation.
Learning how such a planet remains intact can help astronomers refine models of planetary resilience.
How JWST Made It Possible
Launched in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope was designed to peer into the most distant corners of the universe with unmatched infrared sensitivity.
Its ability to analyze the starlight filtering through planetary atmospheres allows scientists to identify chemical fingerprints, making discoveries like this possible.
This observation shows JWST’s unique role in expanding our knowledge of exoplanet diversity.
Broader Cosmic Context
Interestingly, carbon-rich exoplanets were once considered purely theoretical.
Astronomers have long suspected that in carbon-dense regions of the galaxy, planets might form with diamond or graphite interiors.
The new find offers real data to support these exciting possibilities, potentially leading to future missions focused on carbon-dominant worlds.
Looking Ahead
The team behind the discovery plans to request additional observation time with JWST to confirm the planet’s mass, orbit, and atmospheric depth.
Upcoming ground-based studies with next-generation telescopes like the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will help verify the composition and explore whether the planet’s interior is as carbon-rich as its atmosphere.
Key Takeaways for Space Enthusiasts
Significance: First evidence of a carbon-only atmosphere, reshaping planetary formation theories.
Discovery: Planet with an all-carbon atmosphere detected.
Host Star: Orbits a rare black widow pulsar.
