image source, NASA / ESA / CSA / L. HUSTAK
A rendering of LHS 475b and its distant central star.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) showcases the first self-discovered exoplanet. It confirmed the existence of a planet LHS 475b in the constellation Octans, 41 light years from Earth.
The Near Infrared Spectrometer, or NIRSpec, mounted on JWST is able to record and analyze the light from such small planets in greater detail than any other space telescope ever operated by humans, suggesting that LHS 475b is rock-like. word It is also very similar in size to our world. with a diameter of about 99% of the Earth’s diameter length
However, this exoplanet lies very close to its central star. It can orbit the star in just 2 days and has a temperature much hotter than Earth. Although the central star of the system is only a red dwarf, many times cooler than the Sun.
The exceptional sensitivity and resolution of the JWST telescope enabled the discovery of the planet LHS 475b as it transited in front of the central star. until the intensity of the planet’s light changes Also known as the transit phenomenon.
The JWST telescope took the time to verify the existence of such a planet. By relying on only two transitions, while other telescopes require much longer time. And no telescope has previously been able to detect extrasolar planets smaller than Jupiter. which is 11 times larger than Earth
image source, NASA / ESA /CSA / STSCI
JWST data indicate that LHS 475b’s atmosphere is not primarily composed of methane.
The JWST telescope also analyzed the different wavelengths of light that pass through the star’s atmosphere. which can indicate the main elements in the atmosphere as well
Although still unable to conclude for sure But scientists using the JWST telescope to explore the planet are confident that It certainly doesn’t have an atmosphere as dense with methane as Saturn’s moon Titan. But it is possible that the shallow atmosphere of LHS 475b may be 100% carbon dioxide.
The results of the above studies are presented. At a meeting of the American Astronomical Society on Jan. 11, Dr. Mark Klampin, director of NASA’s Astrophysics Division, stated that
“The James Webb telescope is bringing us ever closer to new understanding of Earth-like planets beyond our solar system, and this mission is just beginning.”