Shedding the pounds: Cosmic radiation triggers 'extreme weight loss' in neighboring mini-Neptune
Researchers from the University of Chicago and several other countries employed the Keck telescope in Hawaii to investigate the exoplanet named TOI-2134b, a mere 73 light years away from Earth. The study reveals that vast amounts of helium are expelled from the planet's mini-Neptune-like atmosphere into space. According to scientists, the heavy gas leakage from the planet's atmosphere significantly impacts the features of this celestial body.
6:46 AM EST, January 21, 2024
Helium escapes into space
Upon observation, the discharge of atmospheric gases into space is a common occurrence instead of being a rarity. Other nearby exoplanets, including mini-Neptunes and the so-called hot Jupiters, demonstrate similar activity. The exact process might also be taking place on rocky super-Earths.
The gases emitted from the atmospheres of hot Jupiters have minimal effects on the processes within them due to the tiny fraction of their mass getting lost. Conversely, the situation seems dire for less massive planets, such as TOI-2134b. It is believed that most of the helium initially present in the planet's atmosphere has already vanished.
The star is to blame
Planets possessing vast hydrogen-helium atmospheres are susceptible to substantial gas losses if their stars discharge excessive radiation. Concurrently, heavier elements can escape from the atmosphere into space. The evaporation of gas from the atmosphere harms the planet's evolution and may have been causing extensive "weight loss" for over a billion years.
The astronomers recommend continued observation of TOI-2134b and other mini-Neptunes orbiting aged energized stars. These examinations can enhance our comprehension of atmospheric escape phenomena on extraterrestrial worlds and potentially provide implications for our planet.
