Scientists using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovered a previously unknown type of exoplanet that challenges current theories of planetary formation, according to a University of Chicago report released January 1, 2026. The exoplanet, designated PSR J2322-2650b, orbits a city-sized neutron star and possesses a bizarre carbon-rich atmosphere filled with soot clouds.

Researchers believe the planet may have a diamond core. Its extreme gravitational environment distorts the planet into a lemon shape, and it completes an orbit in under eight hours. The findings, which have stunned the scientific community, suggest that existing models of planetary formation are incomplete.

The planet's unusual characteristics stem from its proximity to a rapidly spinning neutron star, also known as a pulsar. The intense gravity of the pulsar is responsible for the planet's distorted shape. The carbon-rich atmosphere is thought to be a result of the pulsar's radiation interacting with the planet's original composition. "This planet is rewriting the rules of what we thought was possible," stated Dr. Emily Carter, lead researcher on the project at the University of Chicago. "No known theory can fully explain its existence."

The discovery highlights the power of the James Webb Space Telescope in identifying and characterizing exoplanets with unprecedented detail. The telescope's advanced infrared capabilities allowed scientists to analyze the planet's atmospheric composition and determine its unique properties.

The existence of PSR J2322-2650b raises questions about the prevalence of similar exotic planets in the universe. Scientists are now using AI-powered simulations to explore potential formation scenarios and predict the existence of other unusual exoplanets. These simulations leverage machine learning algorithms to analyze vast datasets of astronomical observations and identify patterns that may indicate the presence of similar worlds.

The discovery also has implications for our understanding of the conditions necessary for life to arise. While PSR J2322-2650b is unlikely to be habitable due to its extreme environment, the research suggests that planets can form and persist in a wider range of conditions than previously thought. This expands the search for potentially habitable worlds beyond the traditional "habitable zone" around stars.

Future research will focus on further characterizing the planet's atmosphere and determining the precise composition of its core. Scientists also plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope to search for other similar exoplanets in different regions of the galaxy. The findings could lead to a revised understanding of planetary formation and the potential for life beyond Earth.