James Webb Space Telescope Detects Quartz Crystals in Exoplanet's Atmosphere
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected evidence for quartz nanocrystals in the high-altitude clouds of WASP-17 b, a hot Jupiter exoplanet 1,300 light-years from Earth. This marks the first time that silica (SiO2) particles have been spotted in an exoplanet atmosphere.
WASP-17 b is an extreme world, with temperatures reaching over 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit (1,500 degrees Celsius). It is also one of the closest exoplanets to Earth that is known to have a thick atmosphere.
To study WASP-17 b, Webb used its Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to observe the planet as it transited its star. This allowed astronomers to measure the amount of light that was blocked by the planet's atmosphere at different wavelengths.
The data revealed an unexpected "bump" at 8.6 microns, a feature that would not be expected if the clouds were made of magnesium silicates or other possible high temperature aerosols like aluminum oxide, but which makes perfect sense if they are made of quartz.
This discovery is significant because it shows that quartz crystals can form in the atmospheres of exoplanets, even under extreme conditions. Quartz is a common mineral on Earth, and it is thought to play an important role in the formation of planets and moons.
The presence of quartz crystals in WASP-17 b's atmosphere also raises the possibility that the planet may have other minerals that are essential for life. For example, quartz crystals are often found in association with other minerals, such as zircon, which contain radioactive elements that can provide a source of energy for hydrothermal vents.
Hydrothermal vents are deep-sea ecosystems that are home to a variety of life, including microbes and other organisms that can survive in extreme environments. The discovery of quartz crystals in WASP-17 b's atmosphere suggests that the planet may also have hydrothermal vents, which could make it a potential habitat for life.
Future observations with Webb and other telescopes will help astronomers to learn more about WASP-17 b's atmosphere and its potential for habitability.
Source - NASA