Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), capturing images of the sky around an alien world outside our Solar System. The images reveal clouds of fine sand drifting high up in the atmosphere of YSES-1c, a gas giant exoplanet orbiting a star called YSES-1.
The observations were made possible by JWST’s NIRSpec instrument, which allows scientists to collect data at thousands of wavelengths simultaneously. This technology enabled researchers to analyze the light emitted by YSES-1c and detect molecular features in its atmosphere, including water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane.
Interestingly, the exoplanet YSES-1b also showed evidence of olivine, a mineral that can form gemstones like peridot. However, scientists were surprised to find a disk around YSES-1b, which suggests debris from a collision between objects orbiting near the exoplanet. The observations provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of exoplanetary atmospheres.
The discovery highlights the power of cutting-edge telescopes like JWST in expanding our knowledge of the universe. The research was led by early-career scientists, showcasing the importance of supporting young researchers in their pursuit of scientific discoveries.
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Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/stunning-direct-images-of-alien-worlds-are-detailed-enough-to-reveal-clouds