Washington. Scientists have achieved a historic achievement in the field of Space Science. For the first time, the surface of a distant rocky planet has been studied in such detail. This discovery was made possible with the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, which analyzed a planet named LHS 3844 B.
According to research, this planet is located about 48.5 light-years away from Earth and is about 30 percent larger than Earth in size. It has been placed in the super-Earth category. Scientists have found that this planet is extremely hot, dark and completely unsuitable for life. This study has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Astronomy.
What is Super-Earth?
Super-Earths are planets that are larger than Earth in size, but not as massive as the gas giant planets. LHS 3844 b rotates very close to its star and makes one complete revolution in just 11 hours.
No atmosphere found on the planet
The most important discovery was that there is no atmosphere of any kind on this planet. There is neither a gaseous layer nor any structure that can control the temperature. Due to this, the planet remains directly under the influence of cosmic radiation and meteorites.
The surface may be made of volcanic rocks
Scientists estimate that its surface may not be like Earth but may be made of basalt rocks. These rocks are formed by the cooling of volcanic lava, giving the planet a hard and lifeless appearance.
The role of James Webb’s MIRI instrument
The James Webb Telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) played an important role in this study. The instrument did not take direct images of the planet, but instead analyzed subtle variations in the light coming from the planet and its star. Scientists studied infrared rays with wavelengths of 5 to 12 micrometers and prepared spectral data from which the planet’s surface and thermal properties could be determined.
Why is this discovery special?
This is the first time that the surface and composition of a distant rocky planet has been studied in such depth. According to scientists, this technology can play a big role in understanding the geological history and structure of other planets in the future.
