Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered a groundbreaking new planet unlike any other known in the universe.
The planet, named GJ 9827 d, was identified by a team from the University of Michigan (UoM), with undergraduate Eshan Raul playing a pivotal role in the discovery. The planet is notable for being composed primarily of hot water vapour, earning it the nickname “steam world.”
At around twice the size of Earth, GJ 9827 d marks the first confirmed discovery of a “steam world,” a type of planet long theorised by astronomers but never proven. Raul expressed her excitement, saying, “This is the first time we’re seeing something like this.”
Despite its intriguing atmosphere, GJ 9827 d, located 100 light-years from Earth, cannot host life as we know it. However, the discovery opens new avenues for studying small planets and their potential to support life, according to the research team.
Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb from the University of Montréal’s Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets led the study, noting the importance of the find. “GJ 9827 d is the first planet where we detect an atmosphere rich in heavy molecules, like the terrestrial planets of the solar system. This is a huge step.”
This discovery brings scientists closer to understanding the atmospheres of potentially habitable exoplanets.
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