Webb Telescope Captures First-Ever View of Carbon Dioxide Atmosphere on Another Planet
Astrophysicists Make Groundbreaking Discovery in “HR 8799” Planetary System
Astrophysicists from the University of Johns Hopkins have made a significant breakthrough in the study of the “HR 8799” planetary system. This multi-planetary system has long been a target of interest for researchers studying planetary formation.
Using the corongrage device, researchers were able to capture images of the remote planets orbiting the stars of James Webb. This allowed them to obtain images of the atmosphere of a planet outside of our Solar System, specifically detecting carbon dioxide.
The findings from this observation provide strong evidence that the four giant planets in the system, which are comparable in size to Jupiter and Saturn, are slowly forming through the creation of solid seeds.
William Balmer, one of the authors of the research, commented on the significance of the discovery, stating, “Thanks to this determination, we have shown that there are significant amounts of heavy elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron present in the atmosphere of these planets.”
The results of this groundbreaking study have been published in the prestigious scientific journal “The Astrophysical Journal.” This discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding the formation of planetary systems beyond our own Solar System and sheds light on the composition of exoplanet atmospheres.
