NASA's James Webb Telescope Observes Disintegrating Exoplanets

In a groundbreaking achievement, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has, for the first time, directly observed two exoplanets in the process of disintegration. These observations provide unprecedented insights into the internal compositions and life cycles of distant worlds.

Key Observations:

1. Identification of Disintegrating Exoplanets:

   • The JWST has detected two exoplanets exhibiting significant mass loss, shedding their outer layers into space.
     
     

2. Mechanism of Disintegration:

   • The intense heat from the host stars causes the planets' surfaces to vaporize, leading to the formation of tails composed of gas and dust, reminiscent of comets.

3. Scientific Significance:

   • These observations offer a rare opportunity to study the internal compositions of exoplanets, enhancing our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.

4. Collaborative Efforts:

   • The discoveries were made possible through the combined efforts of the JWST and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which monitored thousands of stars for periodic light dips indicative of planetary transits.
     
     

These findings mark a significant milestone in exoplanetary science, shedding light on the dynamic and often volatile nature of planetary systems beyond our own.

 

Discovery of Sub-Saturn Exoplanet Using PARAS-2 Spectrograph

Introduction to the Discovery

• Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), India, have discovered a new dense exoplanet using the PARAS-2 Spectrograph at Mt Abu Telescope.
• The newly found exoplanet falls in the Sub-Saturn category, which is a transition region between Neptune-like and gas giant planets.

Understanding PARAS-2 Spectrograph

• PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial velocity Abu Sky Search) Spectrograph is an advanced high-resolution fiber-fed spectrograph.
• It is designed to analyze light from distant exoplanets to determine their composition, atmosphere, and movement.
• It is currently Asia’s highest-resolution spectrograph, ensuring high precision and sensitivity.

Role of Spectrographs in Exoplanet Discovery

• A spectrograph is an instrument that breaks down light into its spectrum, helping scientists analyze planetary atmospheres, star compositions, and orbital patterns.
• Using Doppler shift measurements, scientists detect the presence of exoplanets by observing their influence on their host stars.

Significance of This Discovery

• This discovery expands our understanding of exoplanetary formation and evolution.
• It confirms that India’s advancements in astronomy and observational technology are competing at a global level.
• The Sub-Saturn exoplanet bridges the gap between Neptune-sized planets and gas giants, helping astronomers understand planetary classification and development.

Future Prospects

• The discovery paves the way for further space explorations and study of habitable exoplanets.
• The PARAS-2 Spectrograph will continue contributing to detecting new exoplanets with greater accuracy.
• This achievement strengthens India's position in global space research and its role in the search for Earth-like planets.