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7mo ago

Astronomers Discover Uniquely Inflated Exoplanet with Asymmetric Atmosphere

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers observed significant east-west differences in the atmosphere of the exoplanet WASP-107b.

Artist's illustration of the exoplanet WASP-107 b based on transit observations from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope as well as other space- and ground-based telescopes, led by Matthew Murphy of the University of Arizona and a team of researchers around the world. Credit: Rachel Amaro, University of Arizona

Overview

  • WASP-107b, a Jupiter-sized exoplanet with only a tenth of its mass, exhibits an unusual atmospheric asymmetry.
  • This is the first time such an east-west asymmetry has been observed from space using transmission spectroscopy.
  • The exoplanet is tidally locked, leading to permanent day and night sides, influencing its atmospheric dynamics.
  • The James Webb Space Telescope's precision allowed researchers to distinguish atmospheric signals from the planet's eastern and western hemispheres.
  • WASP-107b's low density and relatively low gravity result in an inflated atmosphere, making it unique among known exoplanets.