James Webb Telescope Maps Fiery Atmosphere of Turbulent Exoplanet WASP-121b

SiO and a Super-stellar C/O Ratio in the Atmosphere of the Giant Exoplanet WASP-121b - Astrobiology

Refractory elements such as iron, magnesium, and silicon can be detected in the atmospheres of ultrahot giant planets. This provides an opportunity to quantify the amount of refractory material accreted during formation, along with volatile gases and ices. However, simultaneous detections of refractories and volatiles have proved challenging, as the most prominent spectral features of […] The post SiO and a Super-stellar C/O Ratio in the Atmosph…

James Webb Telescope Maps Fiery Atmosphere of Turbulent Exoplanet WASP-121b

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has unveiled the turbulent history of WASP-121b, a scorching exoplanet distorted by its star’s gravity. New atmospheric data reveals unusual molecules like silicon monoxide and methane, shedding light on the planet’s violent migration and extreme climate. These findings challenge current models and enhance understanding of exoplanet evolution.