Scientists have discovered an exoplanet with clouds of silicate particles. Reported by the University of Exeter.
The researchers used the infrared observatory to study the planet VHS 1256b, which is located about 60 light-years from the Sun and orbits two stars with a period of 10,000 years. This planet is a brown dwarf, meaning it is intermediate between a hot Jupiter and a red dwarf star. It also rotates very far from the main star and is therefore easily accessible for study.
Using the NIRSpec and MIRI spectrographs, the scientists analyzed the chemical composition of this planet’s upper atmosphere. It turned out to be very turbulent and constantly actively involved during the 22-hour day. In addition, according to spectrometry data, the clouds of this planet are made up of grains of sand. VHS 1256 b has low gravity compared to more massive brown dwarfs, meaning silicate clouds can stay higher in the atmosphere where James Webb can detect them. Another reason why the sky is so turbulent is because the planet is young. Only 150 million years have passed since its formation, and it will continue to cool for billions of years. Trace amounts of water, methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were found in the atmosphere in addition to silicates.
“This is an exciting discovery because it shows how clouds on another planet can be different from the water vapor clouds we see on Earth. These silicate clouds are like an endless, very fine-grained, hot sandstorm in the atmosphere,” the scientists explain.
Formerly an astrobiologist presented look for signs of alien life in interstellar dust.