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2024-10-15 Science & Technology

Nasa JWST discovers first of its kind ''steam planet''

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Posted by Fred 2024-10-15 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11135 views ] Top

#1 Not the first of it's kind, just the first you've ever seen.

Posted by ed in texas 2024-10-15 08:16|| 2024-10-15 08:16|| Front Page Top

#2 The Science:

What makes GJ 9827 so significant isn't just its strange, steam-like atmosphere, but the weight of the molecules it's composed of.

According to the study, almost all exoplanets of such a size discovered by researchers have comprised lighter molecules, like hydrogen and helium. By observing GJ 9827, researchers were able to use a method called transmission spectroscopy to determine that its atmosphere's molecules are heavier, much like Earth's.

So while this steamy planet certainly wouldn't be able to support life as we know it, it may aid us in our search for other habitable planets.

"GJ 9827 d is the first planet where we detect an atmosphere rich in heavy molecules like the terrestrial planets of the solar system," said lead study author and University of Montréal astrophysicist Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb in a statement. "This is a huge step."

- Futurism

Posted by mossomo 2024-10-15 13:24|| 2024-10-15 13:24|| Front Page Top

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