James Webb Space Telescope (Technical Post ONLY !)

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New insights into the atmosphere and star of an exoplanet

Astronomers led by a team at Université de Montréal has made important progress in understanding the intriguing TRAPPIST-1 exoplanetary system, which was first discovered in 2016 amid speculation it could someday provide a place for humans to live.

Not only does the new research shed light on the nature of TRAPPIST-1 b, the exoplanet orbiting closest to the system’s star, it has also shown the importance of parent stars when studying exoplanets.

Published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, the findings by astronomers at UdeM's Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx) and colleagues in Canada, the U.K. and U.S. shed light on the complex interplay between stellar activity and exoplanet characteristics.

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The astronomers' key finding was just how significant stellar activity and contamination are when trying to determine the nature of an exoplanet. Stellar contamination refers to the influence of the star's own features, such as dark spots and bright faculae, on the measurements of the exoplanet's atmosphere.

The team found compelling evidence that stellar contamination plays a crucial role in shaping the transmission spectra of TRAPPIST-1 b and, likely, the other planets in the system. The central star’s activity can create “ghost signals” that may fool the observer into thinking they have detected a particular molecule in the exoplanet’s atmosphere.

New insights into the atmosphere and star of an exoplanet

A new study of the intriguing TRAPPIST-1 exoplanetary system has demonstrated the complex interaction between the activity of the system's star and its planetary features.

www.eurekalert.org

Related paper:

ShieldSquare Captcha

 

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Jupiter Mass Binary Objects in the Trapezium Cluster
Authors: Samuel G Pearson, Mark J McCaughrean

[2310.01231] Jupiter Mass Binary Objects in the Trapezium Cluster

Abstract

A key outstanding question in star and planet formation is how far the initial mass function of stars and sub-stellar objects extends, and whether or not there is a cut- off at the very lowest masses. Isolated objects in the planetary-mass domain below 13 Jupiter masses, where not even deuterium can fuse, are very challenging to observe as these objects are inherently faint. Nearby star-forming regions provide the best opportunity to search for them though: while they are young, they are still relatively warm and luminous at infrared wavelengths. Previous surveys have discovered a handful of such sources down to 3–5 Jupiter masses, around the minimum mass limit established for formation via the fragmentation of molecular clouds, but does the mass function extend further? In a new James Webb Space Telescope near-infrared survey of the inner Orion Nebula and Trapezium Cluster, we have discovered and characterised a sample of 540 planetary-mass candidates with masses down to 0.6 Jupiter masses, demonstrating that there is indeed no sharp cut-off in the mass function. Furthermore, we find that 9% of the planetary- mass objects are in wide binaries, a result that is highly unexpected and which challenges current theories of both star and planet formation

James Webb telescope makes 'JuMBO' discovery of planet-like objects in Orion

The new space observatory sees pairs of Jupiter-sized objects floating free between the stars.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

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The James Webb Space Telescope has helped demystify the strange 2009 observation of a giant star about 25 times more massive than the sun that appeared to disappear from existence.

In 2009, astronomers observed what they believed was a giant star about 25 times more massive than the sun, increasing its brightness to a million suns as if it was about to explode into a supernova, then suddenly fading instead of exploding.

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The yet-to-be peer-reviewed research reports not one remnant object in the position of the star, but three, making the failed supernova model less likely.

Researchers now suspect that the 2009 brightening observation was rather likely caused by two stars merging.

The brightening they say may have been due to two stars merging, which then faded.

Researchers say the failed supernova model can still not be completely ruled out.

Mystery behind massive star suddenly vanishing decoded

At present interpretation of cosmic entity remains uncertain, scientists say

www.independent.co.uk

Related paper:

https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.16121

 

[FighterJock]

A failed Supernova? That is weird Flyaway.

 

[Archibald]

NASA’s Webb Finds Carbon Source on Surface of Jupiter’s Moon Europa

Jupiter’s moon Europa is one of a handful of worlds in our solar system that could potentially harbor conditions suitable for life. Previous research has shown that beneath its water-ice crust lies a salty ocean of liquid water with a rocky seafloor. However, planetary scientists had not confirmed if that ocean contained the chemicals needed for life, particularly carbon.

NASA’s Webb Finds Carbon Source on Surface of Jupiter’s Moon Europa - NASA

Astronomers using data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have identified carbon dioxide in a specific region on the icy surface of Jupiters moon Europa.

www.nasa.gov

ALL THESE WORLDS ARE YOURS EXCEPT EUROPA. ATTEMPT NO LANDING THERE.

 

[Flyaway]

https://flic.kr/p/2p8QRa2

View: https://flic.kr/p/2p8QRa2

NASA’s Webb Captures an Ethereal View of NGC 346

One of the greatest strengths of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is its ability to give astronomers detailed views of areas where new stars are being born. The latest example, showcased here in a new image from Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), is NGC 346 – the brightest and largest star-forming region in the Small Magellanic Cloud.

The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) is a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, visible to the unaided eye in the southern constellation Tucana. This small companion galaxy is more primeval than the Milky Way in that it possesses fewer heavy elements, which are forged in stars through nuclear fusion and supernova explosions, compared to our own galaxy.

Since cosmic dust is formed from heavy elements like silicon and oxygen, scientists expected the SMC to lack significant amounts of dust. However the new MIRI image, as well as a previous image of NGC 346 from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera released in January, show ample dust within this region.

In this representative-color image, blue tendrils trace emission from material that includes dusty silicates and sooty chemical molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. More diffuse red emission shines from warm dust heated by the brightest and most massive stars in the heart of the region. An arc at the center left may be a reflection of light from the star near the arc’s center. (Similar, fainter arcs appear associated with stars at lower left and upper right.) Lastly, bright patches and filaments mark areas with abundant numbers of protostars. The research team looked for the reddest stars, and found 1,001 pinpoint sources of light, most of them young stars still embedded in their dusty cocoons.

Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, N. Habel (JPL). Image Processing: P. Kavanagh (Maynooth University)

 

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Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have detected evidence for quartz nanocrystals in the high-altitude clouds of WASP-17 b, a hot Jupiter exoplanet 1,300 light-years from Earth.

The detection, which was uniquely possible with MIRI (Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument), marks the first time that silica (SiO2) particles have been spotted in an exoplanet atmosphere.

Webb detects quartz crystals in clouds of hot gas giant

Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have detected evidence for quartz nanocrystals in the high-altitude clouds of WASP-17 b, a hot Jupiter exoplanet 1,300 light-years from Earth.

phys.org

Related paper:

ShieldSquare Captcha

 

[Flyaway]

NASA’s Webb Discovers New Feature in Jupiter’s Atmosphere

NASA’s Webb Discovers New Feature in Jupiter’s Atmosphere - NASA

Narrow jet stream near equator has winds traveling 320 miles per hour

www.nasa.gov

 

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1717198085955215468

View: https://twitter.com/nasawebb/status/1717198085955215468

Three explosions, two stars, and a rare discovery.

Webb recently detected tellurium, an element rarer than platinum on Earth, in the explosive aftermath of two neutron stars merging. The detection may help reshape our understanding of the cosmos: https://nasa.gov/missions/webb/nasas-webb-makes-first-detection-of-heavy-element-from-star-merger/
Thread

 

[NMaude]

I looked up Tellurium's atomic number (52) so it's a medium atomic number meaning it should be formed regularly in Type-II core-collapse supernovae.

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1718733454332797197

View: https://twitter.com/haygenwarren/status/1718733454332797197

Using Webb, scientists have discovered a high-speed jet stream at Jupiter’s equator. Webb first observed the jet stream in July 2022, and its images allowed scientists to measure winds up to 515 kilometers per hour.

Martijn Luinstra with the details

Using Webb, scientists measure high-speed jet stream in Jupiter’s atmosphere - NASASpaceFlight.com

Scientists recently discovered a high-speed jet stream at Jupiter’s equator using the joint NASA/European Space…

www.nasaspaceflight.com

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1718993338362401229

View: https://twitter.com/nasawebb/status/1718993338362401229

It’s Monday. Feeling crabby?

6,500 light-years away lies the Crab Nebula, the remains of an exploded star. While it is a well-studied target, Webb’s infrared sensitivity and resolution offer new clues into the makeup and origins of this nebula:

The Crab Nebula Seen in New Light by NASA’s Webb - NASA

Exquisite, never-before-seen details help unravel the supernova remnant’s puzzling history.

www.nasa.gov

A crab collab

On the left is @NASAHubble’s 2005 view of the Crab Nebula, taken in optical light. On the right is Webb’s new look, taken in infrared light. By combining observations of this target, astronomers can deepen their understanding of the star life cycle.

Related video:

View: https://youtu.be/8dRQqgg2eTc?si=SIsMjuUA-H1kax8i

 

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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered that nearly all of the universe's earliest galaxies were filled with dazzling gas clouds that blazed brighter than the emerging stars within them — and it could help solve a mystery that threatens to break cosmology.

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Now, astronomers have found a possible answer: a large group of 12 billion-year-old galaxies almost 90% of which were wreathed in bright gas that — after being ignited by light from the surrounding stars — triggered intense bursts of star formation as the gas cooled. The new research has been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.

James Webb telescope finds an 'extreme' glow coming from 90% of the earliest galaxies in the universe

The universe's early galaxies are way brighter than they should be. The James Webb Space Telescope's discovery of brightly glowing gas around 90% of primordial galaxies may explain why.

www.livescience.com

 

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Nasa’s James Webb space telescope has revealed a planet where specks of sand fall as rain, in groundbreaking observations.
The planet, Wasp-107b, lies 200 light years away in the Virgo constellation and had already caught the attention of astronomers because it is very large but very light, earning it the nickname the “candy floss” planet. The latest observations give an unprecedented glimpse of a strange and exotic world beyond our solar system that features silicate sand clouds and rain, scorching temperatures, raging winds and the distinct burnt-matches scent of sulphur dioxide.

Planet where it rains sand revealed by Nasa telescope | Planets | The Guardian

Planet Wasp-107b also has scorching temperatures, raging winds and the burnt-matches scent of sulphur dioxide

amp.theguardian.com

Related paper:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06849-0.epdf

 

[Flyaway]

BBC has put together a nice collection of JWST images:

Amazing images from James Webb telescope, two years after launch - BBC News

The most powerful observatory ever put in space is performing better than anyone could have imagined.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[FighterJock]

Watched the report on BBC Breakfast this morning about the JWST.

 

[TMA1]

…

James Webb telescope finds an 'extreme' glow coming from 90% of the earliest galaxies in the universe

The universe's early galaxies are way brighter than they should be. The James Webb Space Telescope's discovery of brightly glowing gas around 90% of primordial galaxies may explain why.

www.livescience.com

Pls no bulli if I sound like a dunce but isnt this partly describing quasars? Other aspect of brightness has to do with the very large and active central black hole heating up the gas as well?

 

[Flyaway]

Article covering some of the winners of observation time in Cycle 3 on JWST.

JWST Will Finally Hunt for Alien Moons—And Much More

The next year of science for the James Webb Space Telescope has been selected. It includes remote galaxy observations and, at last, a hunt for exomoons

www.scientificamerican.com

 

[FighterJock]

I suppose that will include observations of moons with prospects of life a bit like Saturn's two moons Titan and Enceladus and not forgeting Jupiter's moon Europa?

 

[Michel Van]

new discovery by Webb

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0n7Nvbf-d8

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uObLkTG-qWQ

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElrlkZyR2fw

 

[FighterJock]

So the "Cosmic" Dark Ages are beginning to reveal themselves at long last.

 

[Grey Havoc]

James Webb Space Telescope full-size model to be displayed by Space Foundation

"The James Webb Space Telescope is a game-changer!"

www.space.com

 

[FighterJock]

I wonder where NASA will put the model? Any Ideas. Cape Canaveral? Since the JWST was launched from there.

 

[Byeman]

I wonder where NASA will put the model? Any Ideas. Cape Canaveral? Since the JWST was launched from there.

JWST was launched from Kourou, not Florida.

 

[TJDougherty01]

I wonder where NASA will put the model? Any Ideas. Cape Canaveral? Since the JWST was launched from there.

Right now, it's here:

Webb Space Telescope full-size model to be displayed by Space Foundation

To see the world's premier astronomical observatory in its full-size glory, you need to go to Lagrange Point 2, a location in deep space on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun that is farther away than anyone has traveled. Or, soon, you can visit Colorado.

www.collectspace.com

 

[FighterJock]

Thanks TJDougherty01.

 

[NMaude]

In regards to the Pillars of Creation aka the Eagle nebula this video has been released concerning this iconic nebula:

Made famous in 1995 by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, the Pillars of Creation in the heart of the Eagle Nebula have captured imaginations worldwide with their arresting, ethereal beauty.

Now, NASA has released a new 3D visualization of these towering celestial structures using data from NASA's Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. This is the most comprehensive and detailed multiwavelength movie yet of this star-birthing region.

The movie takes visitors into the three-dimensional structures of the pillars. Rather than an artistic interpretation, the video is based on observational data from a science paper led by Anna McLeod, an associate professor at the University of Durham in the United Kingdom. McLeod also served as a scientific advisor on the movie project.

The 3D structures are approximations for how the pillars are lined up in space like a row of trees, based on observational data. The goal is to give viewers an experiential view, so that they can better interpret the otherwise flat, two-dimensional images from telescopes.

Read more: https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hub...

 

[NMaude]

Anton Petrov has just put out a video concerning NASA's recently release video concerning the Pillars of Creation as seen by the JWST:

Hello and welcome! My name is Anton and in this video, we will talk about the new NASA video showing the Pillars of Creation and discuss what it all means
Links:
https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hub...https://www.youtube.com/redirect?ev...lars-of-creation-visualization/&v=5N2wfOU6jHM
https://ar5iv.labs.arxiv.org/html/ast...https://www.youtube.com/redirect?ev...arxiv.org/html/astro-ph/0506190&v=5N2wfOU6jHM
#nasa #nebula #pillarsofcreation

0:00 New NASA video
1:20 Where is this?
1:45 What Pillars of Creation are
3:10 Clumpy formations that form everything
4:15 EGG production
4:50 What happens to EGGs after
6:02 Supernova that changes everything
6:50 Major confirmations from JWST
7:40 This is what happened to the Sun
8:30 Conclusions and additional observations

 

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1833922511039594798

View: https://twitter.com/WebbFeed/status/1833922511039594798

 

[FighterJock]

Well done to whoever took that photo of the JWST, a very difficult target to find and then track using a telescope.

 

[Flyaway]

Monitoring Webb’s Mirrors for Optimal Optics

Monitoring Webb’s Mirrors for Optimal Optics – James Webb Space Telescope

blogs.nasa.gov

 

[NMaude]

The JWST has found signs of cryovolcanism on the surface of Makemake, from Anton Petrov:

Hello and welcome! My name is Anton and in this video, we will talk about new observations from Makemake
Links:
https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.05549https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFBSNURrcjdJYzh0TU0zR2NDWS1jODRYVXBLZ3xBQ3Jtc0trZnU2QkxJRGprc2pQR3BxR3B6WFhKdXM5X3NnRjZqOTdiYWU5NFZxYVFyWWVUTk1seVNRWjFUYVg5YjFfVGpFeU5GS1o4eU5pcGdiNkEtN1NXTi1wWjFadlByMXEzWDg2UjhROWZDa3pBaWN4YTZCOA&q=https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.05549&v=LmzFvZ31ih4
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/s...https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblk5emM5T3VsYVVXUDF0ZnJLb3htS3VfZXlvZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttUU9GTUZaVkZrRHRQa1I0N3Z3ZF9VTElrZE44RUlVS0wyOEd2SHBYYXk5Z2Vmazg0YWdmTWNyR000Tkw4T0F3dFdsbW9TYk9rTWlVSllxZktoY2owX09zVERSTUliVTN6RkI4TlhlSVF6eXZOd2w0NA&q=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp3664&v=LmzFvZ31ih4
Previous video: • Nobody Expected JWST To Find Signs of...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5JeMlIJ2h8&t=0s

Dawn mission: • Dawn NASA Mission - Ceres and Vesta -...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUUAt-Ky2Gg&t=0s

New Horizons: • Is NASA About to Cancel New Horizon's...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbUUeQn_S28&t=0s

#makemake #dwarfplanet #solarsystem

0:00 Makemake in a nutshell
1:18 Previous discovery suggested oceans and eruptions
2:10 How is this possible though?
3:30 New observation - hotspots
4:20 Explanations
5:30 What this means
7:10 Comparing this to Ceres and what we know
8:35 What this means for these dwarf planets
9:40 What's next and conclusions

 

[Flyaway]

The Miyake Events and the Sun’s Apocalyptic Betrayal:

View: https://youtu.be/jmyyUEGJFho?si=NPZRtdMSE47z0DO_


More on Miyake Events:

Miyake event - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

They appear common to G type stars like the Sun and maybe great filter events in that though they do not cause mass extinctions they would cause complete power grid collapse & possible technological collapse. They would kill anyone in space and fatally irritate those in passenger planes. It’s possible we are currently overdue such an event.