Results for: James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope has provided groundbreaking information about exoplanet 55 Cancri e, including the discovery of a possible rocky planet atmosphere outside our solar system. Despite the planet’s inhospitable conditions, including a surface that is likely a bubbling ocean of magma, astronomers have long speculated about the potential for an atmosphere. Utilizing Webb’s NIRCam and MIRI instruments, researchers detected indications of a volatile-rich atmosphere containing carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. They also observed that the planet’s dayside is cooler than expected, suggesting heat transfer to the cooler nightside, possibly through an atmosphere. The researchers theorize that the atmosphere may have formed from gases originating within the planet due to extreme temperatures potentially stripping away gases present during its formation.

Initial observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) hinted at the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of a distant Earth-like planet, K2-18b. However, a new study suggests that the signal could be from methane clouds, casting doubt on the earlier claims of potential life detection. The study models the behavior of DMS in hydrogen-rich atmospheres and finds itunlikely that JWST could distinguish between DMS and methane in the specific wavelengths it examined. However, the team remains hopeful, as JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) may be more capable of detecting DMS and clarifying the planet’s composition.

The Southern Ring Nebula, a planetary nebula located approximately 2,000 light-years away, has been revealed to possess a double-ring structure, suggesting the presence of not one but possibly three stars at its core. This discovery, made using the Submillimeter Array (SMA) and confirmed by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), provides new insights into the formation and evolution of these celestial objects.

Recent advancements in space exploration have facilitated the discovery of numerous exoplanets. The transition toward characterizing these exoplanets has led to a search for chemical signatures or biosignatures associated with life. While Earth serves as a reference point for habitability and life detection, scientists emphasize the need to consider the unique evolutionary trajectories of different planets. Astrobiologists are exploring biosignatures consistent with primitive life forms that may have existed on Earth billions of years ago. By understanding ancient Earth’s atmosphere and life forms, scientists aim to identify biosignatures that could indicate life on exoplanets with similar environmental conditions.

“Deep Sky”, an awe-inspiring IMAX documentary, showcases the incredible imagery captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. This 39-minute film follows the telescope’s mission and presents breathtaking cosmic landscapes, exoplanets, and answers to age-old questions about the universe. Directed by Nathaniel Kahn and narrated by Michelle Williams, “Deep Sky” will return to over 300 IMAX screens for one week only in celebration of Earth Day on April 19, 2024.