Scientists are baffled by a newly observed exoplanet, dubbed ‘forbidden,’ whose atmospheric composition challenges established planetary formation theories. Discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope, the Jupiter-sized world, TOI-5205 b, orbits a small, cool star. Its atmosphere is remarkably deficient in heavy elements, even more so than its host star, a finding that contradicts current models for how gas giants like it are believed to develop.
This “Forbidden” Exoplanet Has an Atmosphere Scientists Can’t Explain
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people