James Webb Telescope detects carbon dioxide in a distant world's atmosphere for the first time
Scientists accessing NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have conclusively found evidence of carbon dioxide in a world beyond our solar system.
The planet is called WASP-39 b. It is a gas giant orbiting a sun-like star about 700 light-years away from us.
This planet always has a very high temperature of about 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit, or 900 degrees Celsius.
The planet was discovered in 2011 by scientists, however this is for the very first time after detailed analysis they could detect CO2.
"Detecting such a clear signal of carbon dioxide on WASP-39 b bodes well for the detection of atmospheres on smaller, terrestrial-sized planets," Natalie Batalha, an astronomer from NASA.
Using James Webb's NIRSpec instrument, astronomers could look at the gases and chemicals present in WASP-39 b's atmosphere in July.
Scientists are very thankful to the robustness of James Webb Telescope that could allow for unprecedented views into the atmospheres of distant planets.
They are expecting more such discoveries using this wonderful instrument.