Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Astronomers have uncovered a remarkable phenomenon on the ultra-hot Jupiter exoplanet, WASP-76b, challenging previous perceptions of its turbulent atmosphere.
The European Space Agency's Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS) has captured intriguing data suggesting the presence of a rainbow-like effect, termed "glory," in WASP-76b's atmosphere.
credit: ESA/ATG medialab
This discovery marks the first time the glory effect has been observed beyond our solar system, shedding new light on the extreme conditions of exoplanetary atmospheres.
The presence of glory over WASP-76b requires precise atmospheric conditions, including near-perfectly spherical particles and direct illumination from its parent star.
Credit: ESO/L.Calçada
Situated just 30 million miles from its host star, WASP-76, this gas giant experiences temperatures exceeding 4,350 degrees Fahrenheit, causing iron vapor to condense and rain on its cooler side.
The Dark Energy Camera, mounted on the Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope, facilitated the detection of subtle atmospheric phenomena on distant exoplanets like WASP-76b.
Credit: CTIO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/D. Munizaga
The presence of glory suggests the persistence of stable atmospheric conditions on WASP-76b, challenging previous assumptions about its perpetual turbulence.
Credit: ESA
Further studies of similar phenomena on exoplanets could offer insights into their atmospheric compositions and stability, crucial for humanity's quest to discover habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
Scientists remain eager to explore the mysteries of exoplanets like WASP-76b, driven by the prospect of uncovering unique celestial phenomena and expanding our understanding of the universe.