James Webb Space Telescope Detects Possible Atmosphere on Nearby Exoplanet
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking discovery, potentially detecting an atmosphere on a nearby exoplanet called Janssen, also known as 55 Cancri e. This finding, published in Nature, marks the best evidence to date for an atmosphere around a terrestrial, rocky planet outside our solar system.
A Hellish Super-Earth
Janssen, located just 41 light-years away in the constellation Cancer, is classified as a super-Earth or sub-Neptune due to its size and density. With a diameter nearly twice that of Earth and a slightly higher density, this exoplanet orbits its sun-like star in a mere 18 hours.
Despite its proximity to its star and extreme temperatures, JWST observations suggest Janssen may sustain a gaseous atmosphere. The planet is so hot that some of its molten rock likely evaporates, potentially creating an atmosphere of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide.
JWST's Powerful Instruments at Work
Researchers used JWST's Near-Infrared Camera and Mid-Infrared Instrument to measure infrared light from both Janssen's dayside and nightside simultaneously. This analysis revealed evidence of a possible atmosphere, likely bubbling up from the planet's interior.
Lead researcher Renyu Hu from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) stated, The planet is so hot that some of the molten rock should evaporate, highlighting the unique conditions on this world.
Implications for Planetary Science
While Janssen is far from habitable, this discovery significantly expands our understanding of planets that may contain atmospheres. The findings could provide insights into the early stages of Earth, Venus, and Mars, which are thought to have once been covered in oceans of lava.
Brice-Olivier Demory, a co-author from the University of Bern, described Janssen as one of the most enigmatic exoplanets studied to date. The team hopes that further research on this planet will help uncover the conditions necessary for rocky planets to sustain gas-rich atmospheres – a key ingredient for habitability.
As JWST continues to push the boundaries of exoplanet research, astronomers are eager to apply these observation techniques to other nearby worlds. The search for Earth-like planets and potential signs of life beyond our solar system remains a primary focus for future studies.