Astronomical Discovery Using JWST

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have made an astonishing discovery: the exoplanet WASP-107 b is not only 'puffy', but it also displays a curious asymmetry between its atmosphere on opposite sides. This peculiar finding raises significant questions about the planet's formation and atmospheric dynamics.

About WASP-107 b

WASP-107 b is located approximately 210 light-years away, orbiting a smaller orange star. It was first identified in 2017 and is notable for being 94% the size of Jupiter yet only 10% of its mass, categorizing it as one of the least dense exoplanets known to date. This low density contributes to its characteristic 'puffiness', a term used by scientists to describe planets that have significantly inflated atmospheres.

Temperature and Atmosphere Composition

Recent studies suggest that the peculiar properties of WASP-107 b arise from an unexpectedly hot interior and a rocky core larger than previously thought. Further analysis revealed a surprising scarcity of methane in its atmosphere, leading to fresh mysteries for the scientific community to unravel.

Groundbreaking Asymmetry

The asymmetry observed in WASP-107 b's atmosphere is groundbreaking. Matthew Murphy, a graduate student at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, expressed the excitement surrounding this observation, which marks the first sighting of east-west asymmetry in an exoplanet observed transitively from space.

Orbital Characteristics

Rapidly orbiting its star at a distance of about 5 million miles, WASP-107 b completes a revolution every five Earth days. The planet is tidally locked, with one side—termed the "dayside"—permanently facing its host star, and the other side—the "nightside"—lost in perpetual darkness. While it is close to its star, the temperature of WASP-107 b is a moderately scorching 890 degrees Fahrenheit (477 degrees Celsius), placing it between extreme exoplanets and those found within our solar system.

Significance of the Findings

This exoplanet's captivating properties make it an intriguing subject for study. According to Murphy, 'We don’t have anything like it in our own solar system. It is unique, even among the exoplanet population.'

Transmission Spectroscopy and Analysis

Employing a technique known as transmission spectroscopy, astronomers analyzed the spectrum of light traveling through the planet's atmosphere. The advanced capabilities of JWST enabled scientists to capture distinct atmospheric signatures from both the east and west sides of WASP-107 b, offering invaluable insights into the gas composition, cloud structures, and overall atmospheric chemistry.

Continuing Research and Future Prospects

Murphy highlighted the significance of these findings, stating, "We can finally start to answer a lot of exciting open questions that have lingered due to traditional observing techniques working less effectively on intermediate-sized planets."

As the team continues to study the data from the JWST, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of what causes the observed atmospheric asymmetry. Indeed, the ability to investigate this exoplanet's atmosphere in such detail has opened a new frontier in exoplanet research.

Conclusion

With WASP-107 b defying expectations and presenting researchers with fresh puzzles to solve, the exploration of exoplanets is more thrilling than ever. Stay tuned, as astronomers prepare to delve even further into the mysteries of the universe!