James Webb Telescope Detects Carbon Dioxide In Exoplanet’s Atmosphere 

For the first time, astronomers have found overwhelming evidence for the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of exoplanet WASP-39b. The discovery, published in Nature Aug. 25, demonstrates the ability of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to make unprecedented observations of exoplanet atmospheres.

Observing the gas giant orbiting a sun-like star 700 light-years away provides important information about the planet’s composition and formation, the agency said.

NASA said the discovery means that in the future, James Webb will be able to detect and measure carbon dioxide in the thinner atmospheres of small rocky planets.

Catch your breath — Webb has captured the first clear evidence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere of a planet outside of our solar system! WASP-39 B is a gas giant closely orbiting a Sun-like star 700 light years away: https://t.co/FenLqV6HSo pic.twitter.com/abJvqxfLdG

— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) August 25, 2022

Previous observations, including those from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes, have shown the presence of water vapor, sodium and potassium in the planet’s atmosphere. Thanks to James Webb’s unrivaled infrared sensors, the presence of carbon dioxide has now been confirmed, NASA said.