Astronomers have made an exciting discovery, spotting a rainbow-like phenomenon occurring on a planet outside our solar system for the first time. This remarkable observation might provide new insights into the nature of alien worlds.
The European Space Agency’s Cheops space telescope detected a “glory effect” on WASP-76b, an ultra-hot exoplanet located 637 light-years away from Earth. The glory effect is often observed on Earth and consists of concentric, colorful rings of light. It occurs when light reflects off clouds made of a uniform substance.
Until now, the glory effect had only been seen on Venus. However, the detection of an incredibly faint signal by Cheops suggests that it also occurs in the atmosphere of WASP-76b. Astronomers believe that the atmospheric phenomenon is directly facing Earth.
These findings were reported in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Lead study author Olivier Demangeon, an astronomer at the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences in Portugal, explained the challenging conditions required to observe the glory effect outside our solar system. “First, you need atmospheric particles that are close-to-perfectly spherical, completely uniform, and stable enough to be observed over a long time,” Demangeon says. “The planet’s nearby star needs to shine directly at it, with the observer at just the right orientation.”
WASP-76b, which was discovered in 2013, is an intriguing exoplanet that orbits closely around its host star. The intense heat and radiation it receives has caused the planet to expand, making it almost twice the size of Jupiter. The planet experiences scorching temperatures on its dayside, reaching 4,352 degrees Fahrenheit (2,400 degrees Celsius). The unusual atmospheric conditions on WASP-76b, including persistent clouds made of perfectly spherical droplets or clouds rich in iron, have captured the interest of astronomers.
While the glory effect may seem fascinating in itself, its implications reach beyond simply understanding the atmospheres of exoplanets. This discovery exemplifies the incredible progress being made in our exploration of the cosmos and the significant advancements in technology and observational capabilities.
Looking ahead, this breakthrough might pave the way for future discoveries. As we continue to study exoplanets from afar, researchers may be able to detect the presence of sunlight reflecting off extraterrestrial bodies of water. Furthermore, the potential use of instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope or the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey (Ariel) may aid in further confirming the presence of the glory effect on WASP-76b and even lead to the identification of similar phenomena on other exoplanets.
The implications of these advancements extend beyond the field of astronomy. The ability to