Astronomers using the Very Large Telescope have discovered the heaviest element ever in an exoplanet atmosphere.
When it comes to finding habitable exoplanets, the next big challenge is not just spotting exoplanets or looking at their orbits, but getting a better understanding of what conditions there might be like by analyzing their atmospheres. New tools like the James Webb Space Telescope will allow us to peer into the atmospheres of exoplanets and see what they are composed of, which can affect the planet’s surface temperature, pressure, and weather systems.
These two planets orbit extremely close to their respective stars and thus have extremely high surface temperatures which can go over 1,000 degrees Celsius. On one of the planets, WASP-76 b, it gets so got that iron falls from the sky as rain. But the researchers were surprised to find barium high in the atmospheres of these planets because it is so heavy.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Astronomers detected the heaviest element yet in two exotic exoplanetsAstronomers have discovered the heaviest element- barium- within the atmosphere of two blisteringly hot exoplanets where it rains liquid iron and gems.
Read more »
Astronomers detect heaviest element ever found in exoplanet atmospheres | CNNAstronomers have spotted an unexpected chemical element high within the atmosphere of two sizzling exoplanets where liquid iron and gems rain down from the skies. Barium is the heaviest element ever discovered within the atmosphere of an exoplanet.
Read more »
NASA's exoplanet hunting satellite is back and up running | Digital TrendsNASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite has resumed operations following a technical issue that caused it to be put into safe mode earlier this week.
Read more »
Majestic’ 3-ton sunfish sets a new world record for largest bony fish ever discoveredA new study has revealed that a 6,000-pound giant sunfish found dead in the Azores is the heaviest bony fish ever recorded.
Read more »
A Wave of Incredible Heat Ripped Through JupiterA team of scientists was shocked to discover a cataclysmic 'heat wave' in Jupiter's atmosphere, reaching scorching temperatures of 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read more »
Chris Jericho on Terrifier 2, horror movies, and AEW | Digital TrendsIn an interview with Digital Trends, wrestler ChrisJericho explains his love for the Terrifier franchise and how he ended up with a role in the film's sequel.
Read more »