The James Webb Space Telescope also shows its qualities in the exploration of exoplanets in relatively close space. Thanks to his amazing powers of observation, he is able to explore the surrounding worlds in unprecedented detail and reveals things about them that we would not have had a chance to know before.
Canadian astronomer Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb with a large research team used the capabilities of the Webb telescope to observe an exoplanet GJ 9827 dwhich is approximately 100 light years away.
A steamy planet
The existence of this planet is not unknown to astronomers. In 2017, it at an orange dwarf GJ 9827 together with two others, the space hunter discovered exoplanets Kepler. Follow-up observations from 2023 via Hubble telescope showed that it is most likely a water world with a large amount of water vapor in its atmosphere.
New research by Piaulet-Ghorayeb and her team, whose conclusions published professional journal Astrophysical Journal Lettersshows that exoplanet GJ 9827 d, which is about twice as large and three times as massive as Earth, orbits the star about once every six days. According to astronomers, it is a so-called mini-Neptune and is practically entirely covered in hot water vapor. This is the first known steam world.
Astronomers have been theorizing about the possible existence of vapor worlds for a long time, but so far none have been discovered. “This is the first time we’ve found anything like this,” confirms Eshan Raul of the University of Michigan. “But it’s definitely not a habitable planet, at least if we mean Earth-type life.”
To analyze the atmosphere of the exoplanet GJ 9827 d, scientists used transmission spectroscopy, in which the exoplanet passes in front of its star and its atmosphere absorbs certain wavelengths of the star’s light. Instruments of the NIRISS Webb Telescope (Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph) and OTHER (Single Object Slitless Spectroscopy) revealed that the atmosphere of GJ 9827 d is 31% water vapor and contains a large amount of metals.
The remaining two exoplanets of the GJ 9827 system are probably two super-Earths GJ 9827 b (approximately 5x more massive than Earth) a GJ 9827 c (almost twice as massive as Earth). Both are in close proximity to their parent star – 20x and 10x closer than the distance between the Sun and Mercury.
The James Webb Space Telescope: A Steamy Adventure in Exoplanet Exploration
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the James Webb Space Telescope flexing its interstellar muscles once again! This cosmic super-sleuth can take a peek into the universe’s secrets, revealing wonders that have, quite frankly, left astronomers feeling a bit giddy, if not mildly overwhelmed. It’s like having the ultimate peeping Tom — but instead of your neighbor’s questionable laundry choices, we’re talking about enchanting exoplanets! And who’s at the forefront of this scientific escapade? None other than the brilliant Canadian astronomer Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb and her talented team, who’ve donned their finest space gear (probably a hoodie and slippers) to explore an exoplanet called GJ 9827 d.
A Steamy Planet with a Dash of Sass
Now, this isn’t some other “lost planet” story, hanging out on a barstool of the Milky Way. Oh no, GJ 9827 d is cruising a cool 100 light-years away, orbiting an orange dwarf star like it’s on a leisurely Sunday drive. Discovered back in 2017 along with its two buddies (I mean, who doesn’t want a planet posse?), this particular exoplanet has been the subject of much speculation. And thanks to follow-ups with our good old friend, the Hubble Telescope, it turns out that this world is dripping with intrigue — quite literally! It’s most likely a water world, dressed in a vapor-covered atmosphere as thick as your mom’s Sunday gravy.
Now here comes the juicy part. Piaulet-Ghorayeb’s freshly minted study, hot off the cosmic press and published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, has unveiled that GJ 9827 d is a whopping twice the size of Earth and three times its weight. I mean, it’s basically the Pamela Anderson of planets! And guess what? It spins around its star once every six days. That’s right, folks, talk about a hot date — but let’s not kid ourselves; this planet is categorized as a “mini-Neptune” that is practically swimming in a steaming cauldron of hot water vapor! First known steam world found, and boy, doesn’t it sound like a sci-fi movie title!
But before you start filing your travel plans, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Eshan Raul from the University of Michigan gives us some much-needed clarity: “It’s definitely not a habitable planet, at least if we mean Earth-type life.” Well, Eshan, that’s a bit unfortunate. I was hoping for at least a few space mermaids. But I suppose everyone deserves a vacation now and then, even planets!
Telescope Technology & the Secrets of the Atmosphere
So how did the scientistic wizards pull this off? They deployed the artful technique of transmission spectroscopy. This means they effectively played peekaboo with the universe by observing GJ 9827 d as it, quite literally, passed in front of its star. As starlight filtered through its hot, steamy atmosphere, parts of that light were absorbed based on the chemical composition of the atmosphere. Now, with the NIRISS Webb Telescope (that’s Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph for those not fluent in telescope jargon) and trusty OTHER device (I know, “OTHER” sounds like it was named by a group of interns), the team discovered that 31% of GJ 9827 d’s atmosphere is composed of water vapor and is filled to the brim with a delightful mix of metals. Because why not add a heavy metal concert atmosphere to an actual planetary atmosphere?
Two Super-Earth Siblings Await
As if GJ 9827 d couldn’t get any cooler (or steamier), the other two planetary companions in the GJ 9827 system are apparently in the super-Earth club as well. GJ 9827 b is strutting around being approximately five times more massive than Earth, while GJ 9827 c is flexing nearly twice our own home planet’s mass. Both of these hefty companions are cozied up to their parent star, living life dangerously close — we’re talking about 20 to 10 times the distance between the Sun and Mercury! Now, that’s what I call a short commute!
In summary, thanks to the magic of the James Webb Space Telescope, and the ace research team led by Piaulet-Ghorayeb, we’ve taken a giant leap into the exploration of exoplanets. Who knows, maybe we’ll find out that life elsewhere is waiting for us — not in forms we know, but as sizzling, steaming water worlds ready to soak us in mystery. For now, though, we’ll have to contort our imaginations about what a “steam world” could mean beyond an overdue sauna appointment! Stay tuned space enthusiasts; it’s only going to get brighter from here!
The James Webb Space Telescope is proving to be an invaluable asset in the realm of exoplanet exploration, particularly within relatively close distances in space. Its extraordinary observational capabilities allow it to investigate neighboring celestial bodies with an unprecedented level of detail, unveiling a wealth of information that was previously beyond our reach.
Leading Canadian astronomer Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb and her extensive research team harnessed the advanced capabilities of the Webb telescope to focus their observations on the exoplanet GJ 9827 d, situated approximately 100 light years away from Earth.
A steamy planet
The presence of GJ 9827 d had already been recognized by the astronomical community. Its discovery dates back to 2017 when it was identified in the system orbiting the orange dwarf star GJ 9827, alongside two other exoplanets, by the renowned space telescope Kepler. Subsequent observations in 2023, conducted with the help of the Hubble telescope, suggested that GJ 9827 d is highly likely to be a water-dominated world, characterized by a significant amount of water vapor present in its atmosphere.
A groundbreaking study led by Piaulet-Ghorayeb and her colleagues, which has been published in the esteemed journal Astrophysical Journal Letters, reveals that exoplanet GJ 9827 d is approximately twice the size and three times the mass of Earth, completing an orbit around its star every six days. This planet is classified as a mini-Neptune and is enveloped entirely in hot water vapor, rendering it the first known example of a steam world.
For years, astronomers have speculated on the potential existence of vapor-filled worlds, yet until now, none had been confirmed. “This marks the first time we’ve uncovered something like this,” notes Eshan Raul from the University of Michigan. “However, it’s certainly not a candidate for habitability, especially regarding Earth-like life forms.”
To delve into the atmospheric characteristics of exoplanet GJ 9827 d, scientists employed the technique of transmission spectroscopy. This method involves analyzing how the exoplanet transits in front of its parent star, allowing its atmosphere to absorb specific wavelengths of light emitted by the star. The advanced instruments aboard the NIRISS Webb Telescope (Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph) and the OTHER (Single Object Slitless Spectroscopy) have revealed that the atmosphere of GJ 9827 d comprises an impressive 31% water vapor, along with a substantial concentration of metallic elements.
The two remaining exoplanets within the GJ 9827 system are believed to be super-Earths: GJ 9827 b, which boasts a mass roughly five times that of Earth, and GJ 9827 c, nearly double Earth’s mass. Both planets are located in extremely close orbits around their star, being 20 times and 10 times closer than the distance between the Sun and Mercury, respectively.
*Astrophysical Journal Letters*, confirmed that GJ 9827 d is indeed a “steam world.” This term refers to its unique atmospheric composition, where a staggering 31% is made up of water vapor, making it one of the first exoplanets identified with such characteristics. The astronomers applied transmission spectroscopy methods to glean insights into the planet’s atmosphere as it transits in front of its host star, absorbing specific wavelengths of light.
### A Glimpse into GJ 9827 d’s Atmosphere
The findings from the NIRISS Webb Telescope and the OTHER instrument revealed not only the prevalence of water vapor but also a rich assortment of metals in the atmosphere. This combination paints a picture of a dynamic and potentially complex environment, despite the stark reminder from Eshan Raul that GJ 9827 d is not suitable for Earth-like life forms.
### More than Just a Single Planet
The GJ 9827 system isn’t just a one-hit wonder. Accompanying GJ 9827 d are two additional exoplanets — GJ 9827 b and GJ 9827 c. These so-called super-Earths boast impressive masses, with GJ 9827 b being around five times that of Earth and GJ 9827 c approaching twice Earth’s mass. Their proximity to their host star — significantly closer than Mercury’s distance from our Sun — adds to the intrigue surrounding this planetary trio.
### The Future of Exoplanetary Discoveries
With the breakthrough findings revolving around GJ 9827 d, the James Webb Space Telescope continues to solidify its reputation as a revolutionary tool in astrophysical research. The revelations about this water-rich steam world could pave the way for deeper investigations into the compositions of other exoplanets, potentially transforming our understanding of these distant worlds and their atmospheres.
The ongoing explorations and studies within this field seem limitless, and as technology advances, we can expect even more exciting discoveries on the horizon. The universe is full of mysteries just waiting to be unveiled!
