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JWST Maps Atmospheric Conditions of Exoplanet WASP-43b

The James Webb Space Telescope provides unprecedented details of weather and atmospheric chemistry on distant 'hot Jupiter' exoplanet, highlighting its powerful capabilities.

  • JWST's detailed observations of WASP-43b reveal extreme conditions including a blistering inferno with supersonic winds.
  • The telescope's infrared capabilities allowed for precise temperature mapping across the planet, showing a stark contrast between its dayside and nightside.
  • No methane was detected on WASP-43b, likely due to the planet's high wind speeds preventing chemical stability.
  • The findings may improve understanding of atmospheric dynamics on similar exoplanets and aid in the search for biosignatures.
  • Researchers emphasize the need for further observations to resolve discrepancies in data and atmospheric models.
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