New research on exoplanet, Enaiposha, is challenging everything we know about planet formation

GJ 1214 b, also known as Enaiposha since 2023, is thought to be a sub-Neptune exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star. It has provided astronomers with new insights into planet formation and atmospheric composition, though it is unlikely to sustain life. Initially described as a mini-Neptune when it was discovered in 2009, new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have challenged previous assumptions about its makeup.

Recent research suggests that the planet’s composition may be closer to that of a super-Venus rather than a traditional sub-Neptune, as its atmosphere appears to be much denser and more metal-rich than initially believed.

How the study challenges what is known about planet formation

NASA defines Neptunian planets as those that are “similar in size to Neptune or Uranus in our solar system” and that “typically have hydrogen- and helium-dominated atmospheres with cores of rock and heavier metals.” Sub-Neptunian planets, which are smaller than Neptune, are the most common type of exoplanet found in our galaxy, though none exist in our solar system.

A new study led by researchers at the University of Arizona suggests that the haze surrounding Enaiposha indicates a metal-dominated atmosphere, where hydrogen is no longer the primary component. The authors emphasize the need for further testing of their hypothesis, as their findings challenge conventional understanding of the interior structure and evolution of sub-Neptunes.

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