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James Webb telescope identifies evidence of atmosphere on rocky lava world

ScienceDaily reports that researchers detected signs of an atmosphere on the scorching super-Earth HD 3167 b.

The short version

  • Measurements from the James Webb Space Telescope indicate the rocky planet HD 3167 b retains an atmosphere despite completing an orbit in just one Earth day.[ScienceDaily]
  • The world is the coldest lava planet observed so far with signs of an atmosphere, registering temperatures lower than theoretical maximums.[ScienceDaily]
  • Astronomers note that the precise chemical composition of the planet's atmosphere remains undetermined.[ScienceDaily]

Key facts

  • The James Webb Space Telescope detected strong evidence that the rocky super-Earth HD 3167 b holds an atmosphere.[ScienceDaily]
  • HD 3167 b is situated 154 light-years away in the constellation Pisces and orbits its star in one Earth day.[ScienceDaily]
  • Researchers measured mid-infrared light during a secondary eclipse and found the planet is notably cooler than expected maximum levels.[ScienceDaily]
  • HD 3167 b is the coldest lava world identified so far to display atmospheric evidence.[ScienceDaily]

What remains uncertain

  • The specific chemical composition of HD 3167 b's atmosphere has not yet been determined.[ScienceDaily]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.