All images: NASA, representative images
Gliese 436 b, also known as GJ 436 b, is a Neptune-sized exoplanet that is around 33 light years away from Earth. According to NASA, Gliese 436 b’s discovery was announced in 2004. The planet orbits an M-type star, and its mass is 22.1 Earths.
Gliese 436 b is Made of Excruciatingly Hot Ice. Researchers believe that the ice has been hardened by pressure rather than temperature. The planet’s temperature exceeds 526ºC (or 980ºF).
NASA has said that Gliese 436 b has more than 7,000 times less methane than it should, and it has a surprising abundance of carbon monoxide molecules.
As per NASA, models of planetary atmospheres indicate that any world with a common mix of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, and a temperature up to 1,340ºF should have a large amount of methane and a small amount of carbon monoxide. However, it is the opposite for Gliese 436 b as it has less methane and a surprising abundance of carbon monoxide molecules.