Webb Telescope Unveils Eternal Twilight on Distant Exoplanet
TL;DR
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope have confirmed that the exoplanet WASP-39 b, which is tidally locked to its star, exhibits significant atmospheric differences between its eternal morning and evening sides. The evening side is hotter by about 300°F (200°C) and less cloudy compared to the morning side. This discovery was made using Webb's NIRSpec, revealing detailed temperature and cloud cover variations, and providing new insights into the atmospheric dynamics of tidally locked exoplanets.
Topics:sciencespace-exploration#atmospheric-study#exoplanet#james-webb-space-telescope#space-exploration#tidally-locked-planet#wasp-39-b
- Webb investigates eternal sunrises, sunsets on distant world Phys.org
- NASA’s Webb Investigates Eternal Sunrises, Sunsets on Distant World Science@NASA
- What a coincidence! Cosmic twilight zone discovered on distant planet by scientist named James Kirk Study Finds
- Image C: Transit Light Curve EurekAlert
- "I'm an exoplanet scientist. This is how we use the Webb Telescope to analyse the clouds of hot Jupiter gas giants" Sky at Night Magazine
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Phys.org