NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has made a groundbreaking discovery on the exoplanet WASP-17 b, revealing evidence of quartz nanocrystals in its high-altitude clouds. This marks the first time silica particles have been detected in an exoplanet’s atmosphere, providing new insights into exoplanet cloud formation and evolution.
Quartz, a common mineral found on Earth, was an unexpected finding in the exoplanet’s atmosphere. WASP-17 b, one of the largest known exoplanets, was ideal for transmission spectroscopy to study its atmosphere. Webb’s observations identified a bump at 8.6 microns, indicating the presence of quartz crystals in the planet’s clouds. These crystals are much smaller, approximately 10 nanometers across, compared to Earth’s quartz.
The clouds on WASP-17 b consist of quartz that forms directly from gas in the planet’s extremely hot and pressurized atmosphere. Understanding the composition of these clouds is crucial for comprehending the planet as a whole. Additionally, the high-speed winds on the planet likely drive the circulation of these clouds.
This groundbreaking discovery was made by the JWST Telescope Scientist Team during their investigations into exoplanet atmospheres. The James Webb Space Telescope continues to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, providing remarkable insights into the composition and dynamics of exoplanets.
The discovery of quartz nanocrystals on WASP-17 b broadens our knowledge of exoplanet clouds and their formation. It highlights the incredible capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope and the exciting potential for future discoveries as it continues to explore the vast reaches of space.
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