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WASP-17b exoplanet atmospheric mapping

Overview

Astronomers have utilized data from the James Webb Space Telescope to map the three-dimensional atmospheric profile of the exoplanet WASP-17b. By employing a new technique called ‘transmission strings’, researchers were able to analyze light passing through different sections of the planet’s atmospheric limb rather than averaging the entire edge.

The study, published in Nature Astronomy, revealed a highly asymmetrical structure. The atmosphere on the evening side is significantly warmer and more expanded than on the morning side, with an estimated temperature difference of approximately 660K. This asymmetry is attributed to powerful equatorial winds and supersonic winds that transport heat from the day side to the night side. These findings demonstrate that the chemical composition and temperature of the hot Jupiter vary significantly by latitude and longitude.

Entities

WASP-17b · James Webb Space Telescope · Nature Astronomy · University of Bristol · Cornell University

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    James Webb Space Telescope maps asymmetric atmosphere of exoplanet Wasp-17b

    Using the James Webb Space Telescope and a new “transmission strings” method, scientists mapped the asymmetric atmosphere of the distant exoplanet Wasp-17b.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    WASP-17b exoplanet atmospheric profile mapped using new technique

    Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have mapped the asymmetrical atmosphere of exoplanet WASP-17b, revealing significant temperature and chemical variations between its morning and evening sides.

Sources

eveningreport.nz · newspaceeconomy.ca