JWST Captures Unseen Details of Exoplanets in HR 8799 and 51 Eridani Systems 83h5s Technology News

Astronomers used JWST’s coronagraphs in a unique way to capture new images of exoplanets in the HR 8799 and 51 Eridani systems. 67172t

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 3 April 2025 22:33 IST

JWST Captures Unseen Details of Exoplanets in HR 8799 and 51 Eridani Systems

Photo Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, W. Balmer (JHU), L. Pueyo (STScI), M. Perrin (STScI) 6d596a

Webb's NIRCam captured Eridani 51 b, a young exoplanet, 11 billion miles from its star.

Highlights

JWST’s coronagraphs were modified to enhance exoplanet imaging
HR 8799 planets were captured in mid-infrared wavelengths
Carbon dioxide detection confirms core accretion planetary formation

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atmospheres and their compositions.

Unconventional Use of JWST's Coronagraphs 4ia24

According to a study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, lead author William Balmer, a Ph.D. candidate at Johns Hopkins University, explained to Space.com that a thinner part of the coronagraph mask was used. This allowed more starlight to diffract, reducing the risk of completely obscuring planets. Coronagraphs typically block starlight to reveal faint celestial bodies, but this modification provided a balance between removing excessive glare and preserving planetary details.

Key Discoveries and Observations 1k1t5l

The JWST's mid-infrared imaging captured HR 8799 at 4.6 microns. It is a wavelength that is mainly blocked by Earth's atmosphere. Balmer stated that previous ground-based attempts had failed, demonstrating JWST's stability in detecting exoplanets. Observations at 4.3 microns were also conducted. This revealed the presence of carbon dioxide. It is a very important step in determining the planetary formation processes. The detected carbon dioxide levels suggested that these planets likely formed through core accretion, gathering heavy elements over time.

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Future Research and Expanding Studies 5t5q1i

There are many research planned to study the four additional planetary systems. Balmer's team has been allocated more JWST observation time to confirm whether similar gas giants formed through core accretion. This could offer more insights into the stability of planetary systems and potential habitability of smaller, unseen planets.

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