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NASA’s Webb Lifts Veil on Common but Mysterious Type of Exoplanet
- NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is helping scientists understand sub-Neptunes, the most common type of exoplanet in our galaxy, by observing exoplanet TOI-421 b.
- Sub-Neptunes, smaller gassy planets shrouded in mystery and haze, were unexpected discoveries prior to the Kepler telescope's findings.
- Webb's observations revealed the composition of TOI-421 b's atmosphere, including water vapor, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere.
- Contrary to expectations, TOI-421 b's clear atmosphere suggests a different formation and evolution process from other observed sub-Neptunes.
- The hot sub-Neptune TOI-421 b orbits a Sun-like star and has a unique hydrogen-rich atmosphere, challenging previous assumptions.
- The team aims to observe more hot sub-Neptunes to determine if TOI-421 b is an outlier or representative of a broader trend.
- The researchers believe that this new way of studying sub-Neptunes may accelerate the understanding of these common exoplanets.
- The findings were published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters on May 5, providing new insights into the formation and evolution of sub-Neptunes.
- NASA's James Webb Space Telescope continues to unravel mysteries in our solar system and beyond, contributing to our understanding of distant worlds and the universe's origins.
- The telescope is an international program led by NASA in collaboration with ESA and CSA, advancing space science exploration.
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