In a groundbreaking development, the James Webb Space Telescope has detected the presence of quartz crystals in the clouds of exoplanet WASP-17 b. This revelation has raised new questions about the formation and evolution of exoplanet clouds, as prior observations indicated the prevalence of magnesium-rich silicates in their atmospheres.
WASP-17 b, a colossal exoplanet with a volume seven times that of Jupiter, presented an ideal candidate for transmission spectroscopy due to its unique characteristics. The telescope observed the WASP-17 system for nearly 10 hours, collecting extensive data on the planet’s atmosphere. Surprisingly, an unexpected “bump” at 8.6 microns emerged, suggesting the presence of quartz crystals in its clouds.
These quartz crystals, though small in size at about 10 nanometers across, have challenged our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres. Unlike clouds on Earth, which gather mineral particles from the planet’s surface, the quartz crystals in WASP-17 b’s clouds form directly from the gas due to the extreme heat and low pressure in the planet’s atmosphere.
Understanding the composition of these clouds is crucial for comprehending the exoplanet as a whole. The presence of silica crystals like quartz indicates an additional source of oxygen in the planet’s makeup, which was previously underestimated.
The exact distribution of quartz clouds on WASP-17 b remains uncertain, but it’s likely that they exist along the day/night transition zone. Given the planet’s extreme conditions, these tiny glassy particles may be circulated at incredibly high speeds by powerful winds.
This discovery is part of the JWST-Telescope Scientist Team’s Deep Reconnaissance of Exoplanet Atmospheres using Multi-instrument Spectroscopy (DREAMS) investigations. WASP-17 b is one of three planets targeted in this program, offering valuable insights into different classes of exoplanets.
The James Webb Space Telescope continues to unlock the mysteries of our universe, from our solar system to distant exoplanets. This international program, led by NASA in partnership with ESA and the Canadian Space Agency, holds the promise of revealing more secrets about our place in the cosmos.
