RS 8513-928-8-5906584-221 A2 - SCORCHED AND ENIGMATIC

 Exploring a Runaway Greenhouse World in a two star system

In our cosmic neighborhood, some worlds challenge our expectations in the most dramatic ways. Meet this ancient, searing planet—a perfect sphere of rock and metal, shrouded in an atmosphere 700 times denser than Earth’s, where a runaway greenhouse effect turns what would be a frozen exterior into an inferno of 504°C. Let’s explore its secrets, section by section.

1. Physical Characteristics – A Perfect Sphere of Extremes

This planet is remarkably uniform—a perfect sphere with an equatorial, polar, and mean radius all equal to 6,341.33 km. Its lack of oblateness indicates a balanced, undistorted shape, while a rotation period of 5.211 days (with a solar day of 15.634 days) hints at a spin–orbit resonance (2:3) that governs its day–night cycle. With surface gravity around 12.5 m/s², you’d feel a gravity a bit stronger than on Earth, making every step weighty on this alien surface.

2. Composition and Structure – A Dense World of Rock and Metal

Delving beneath the surface, the planet reveals a fascinating internal makeup: approximately 52.6% silicate mantle and 47.4% metallic core. With an overall density of 7.07 g/cm³—substantially higher than Earth’s—this composition suggests a rich, iron-heavy core that plays a crucial role in its thermal and magnetic history. Such a balance between rock and metal is a clue to a dynamic formation process in the early cosmos.

3. Climate Conditions and Atmosphere – A Fiery Furnace Under a Thick Veil

At first glance, the insolation of 0.14673 might suggest a relatively cool world; indeed, the effective temperature (the temperature without atmospheric effects) is a frigid -112.53°C. However, the reality is astonishingly different. The planet is wrapped in a runaway greenhouse effect that raises its average surface temperature to a blistering 504.24°C. With an atmospheric pressure of 700 atm and an air density of 301.47 kg/m³, this thick atmosphere (composed of 69% N₂, 22.1% H₂O vapor, 7.66% CO₂, and traces of SO₂ and other gases) traps heat with a colossal greenhouse boost of over 616°C. Winds are relatively gentle (around 1.49 m/s), but the oppressive heat and pressure dominate the scene.

4. Orbital Characteristics – A High-Speed Dance Close to Its Star

Orbiting its star in an elliptical path with a period of just 7.816 days, this planet races along its orbit at approximately 44.46 km/s. Its semimajor axis of about 4.78 million km places it extremely close to its star, which—coupled with the star’s low output—explains the modest insolation despite its proximity. The orbit is nearly circular (eccentricity of 0.010) and inclined only slightly relative to the star’s equator, creating a predictable yet rapid celestial dance that reinforces its unusual spin–orbit resonance.

5. Age and History – A Relic of the Early Cosmos

With an age of roughly 10.075 billion years, this planet is a surviving relic from the early universe. Its long history implies that it has witnessed the full gamut of cosmic evolution—from the quiet formation of its star system to dramatic internal and atmospheric changes. The preserved balance between its metallic core and silicate mantle offers scientists a unique window into planetary differentiation and evolution under extreme conditions.

6. Hydrosphere – Vapor, Not Oceans

Unlike many terrestrial worlds, this planet lacks a conventional hydrosphere. Although its atmosphere contains a significant 22.1% of water vapor, the searing surface temperatures (over 500°C) prevent the existence of liquid water. Instead, water exists solely in its vapor phase, contributing to the overwhelming greenhouse effect and shaping the planet’s volatile climate dynamics.

7. Bizarre Features That Defy Expectations

1.Runaway Greenhouse Paradox:

Despite an effective temperature of -112.53°C calculated from its modest insolation, a runaway greenhouse effect blasts the actual surface temperature to over 500°C. This extreme contrast challenges our conventional energy balance models.

2.Atmospheric Overkill:

With a surface pressure of 700 atm and an air density more than 250 times that of Earth’s, the atmosphere is not only thick but also incredibly heat-trapping. This extreme pressure is a key factor in the runaway greenhouse phenomenon.

3.Spin–Orbit Resonance in a Tight Orbit:

The planet’s unusual 2:3 spin–orbit resonance—where its rotation period and orbital period are locked in a precise ratio—creates a solar day of 15.634 days. This resonance drives unique thermal cycles and prolonged periods of daylight and darkness.

4.A Perfectly Spherical Shape:

Unlike many fast-spinning planets that bulge at the equator, this world’s perfect spherical shape (no oblateness) is a curious outcome of its slow rotation and uniform internal structure.

5.Dense, Iron-Heavy Interior:

The near-equal distribution between its silicate mantle and metallic core sets it apart from Earth. This high metal content contributes to its overall density and hints at unusual formation conditions early in its history.

Visual tour

HDR with atmosphere and clouds

photo mode without atmosphere and clouds

on surface is just living hell

as seen from dedicated dwarf moon

8. Exploration Potential – A Challenge for Robotic Pioneers

Though human exploration of such an extreme environment is far beyond our current capabilities, this planet is a compelling target for advanced robotic missions. Its hostile conditions make it an ideal natural laboratory to study runaway greenhouse effects, atmospheric dynamics under extreme pressure, and the evolution of terrestrial planets in tight orbits. Testing new technologies in such a crucible could yield breakthroughs applicable to a wide array of planetary exploration challenges.

Final Thoughts

This scorched, enigmatic world stands as a bold testament to nature’s extremes. Its searing surface, towering atmospheric pressure, and peculiar internal structure push the boundaries of our understanding of planetary physics. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or an enthusiastic space explorer, this planet’s dramatic contradictions—from a frozen effective temperature to a blistering reality—invite us to rethink what is possible in our universe.

As we continue to search for and study these exotic worlds, each discovery brings us one step closer to understanding the full diversity of planets beyond our own. Stay tuned for more insights into the fascinating realms that challenge our expectations and expand the frontiers of our cosmic knowledge.

#SpaceEngine #Space #Astronomy #Cosmos #Universe #Galaxies #Nebulae #Exoplanets #Astrophysics #CelestialWonders #Outer space #Gaming #SimulationGame #VirtualExploration #SciFiGaming #SpaceGamers #3DSimulation #ProceduralUniverse #RealisticSpaceSimulator #Futurism #Science #SpaceExploration #Physics #Screenshot #Planets #Stars #Moons