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Sand Clouds

All articles tagged with #sand clouds

astronomy2 years ago•3 min saved

"NASA's James Webb Telescope Uncovers Exoplanet with Sand Clouds and Surprising Atmosphere"

European astronomers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have made new discoveries about the exoplanet WASP-107b. The observations reveal that the Neptune-like gas giant has scorching hot temperatures, sandy clouds high in the atmosphere that can fall like rain onto its surface, and a complex chemical composition including water vapor and sulfur dioxide. The absence of methane suggests a warm interior, and the presence of silicate sand clouds indicates a "fluffy" composition. The findings reshape our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, shedding new light on our own solar system.

via USA TODAY|

#astronomy #atmospheric-composition #exoplanet

space-science2 years ago•4 min saved

"James Webb Space Telescope Discovers Exoplanet with Sand Clouds and Sulfuric Skies"

Observations by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) suggest that the gas giant planet WASP-107b has clouds made of tiny bits of sand. The sand acts like water on Earth, falling towards the planet's hotter interior and evaporating back up to form clouds. This discovery reveals the existence of bizarre clouds beyond our solar system and provides valuable insights into the atmospheric composition of distant planets. The JWST's ability to detect infrared light and make precise measurements has allowed scientists to confirm the presence of sand clouds on WASP-107b, challenging previous assumptions and paving the way for further exploration of otherworldly cloud formations.

via NPR|

#atmospheric-composition #exoplanets #james-webb-space-telescope

space-science2 years ago•2 min saved

"Webb Telescope Discovers Alien World with Sand Clouds and Sulfuric Skies"

The Webb Space Telescope has discovered a Neptune-like gas giant called WASP-107b, located 211 light-years away from Earth. The telescope detected water vapor, sulfur dioxide, and sand-like silicate clouds in the planet's atmosphere. WASP-107b's less dense constitution allowed astronomers to study its atmosphere in greater detail than is possible with Jupiter. The discovery of sand clouds and sulfuric skies on this exoplanet reshapes our understanding of planetary formation and evolution. The Webb Space Telescope's observations of exoplanets are providing valuable insights into the diversity of worlds and the search for habitable planets beyond our solar system.

via Gizmodo|

#exoplanet #sand-clouds #space-science