The James Webb space telescope, operated by Nasa, has made an incredible discovery about a planet 200 light years away in the Virgo constellation. The planet, known as Wasp-107b, has been observed to have specks of sand falling as rain, in a groundbreaking revelation that has captivated astronomers.
Wasp-107b has previously garnered attention due to its large yet light nature, earning it the nickname the “candy floss” planet. However, the latest observations have provided an unprecedented glimpse into the strange and exotic world beyond our solar system. The planet’s unique features include silicate sand clouds and rain, scorching temperatures, raging winds, and the distinct burnt-matches scent of sulphur dioxide.
Prof Leen Decin, of the Catholic Institute (KU) Leuven and first author of the research, stated, “Our knowledge of other planets is based on what we know from Earth. That’s a very restricted knowledge.” The discovery of Wasp-107b in 2017 was made possible after astronomers noticed periodic flickering of light from its host star each time the planet passed in front of it.
The James Webb telescope’s ability to measure starlight filtered through the planet’s atmosphere has allowed for the identification of the presence of water vapor and sulphur dioxide. The planet’s atmosphere is said to have a water cycle similar to that of Earth, but with sand cycling between solid and gaseous states.
Despite the hostile climate of Wasp-107b, with temperatures close to 1,000C and a lack of a solid surface, the incredible level of detail being obtained from such observations is seen as an encouraging sign. It has led scientists to broaden their imaginations about the various potential forms of life on other planets.
This groundbreaking discovery has been published in the journal Nature, marking a significant milestone in our understanding of the vast and diverse planets that exist beyond our solar system. The James Webb space telescope’s ongoing mission to analyze the atmospheres of distant planets and search for biosignature gases has proven to be full of surprises, broadening humanity’s perspective of the universe and the potential for life beyond Earth.