JWST could soon tell us what exoplanets’ surfaces are made of

Observing the floor of an exoplanet is hard, however a examine analysing knowledge from the Spitzer area telescope suggests it ought to be possible with the extra highly effective James Webb telescope

By Alex Wilkins

The James Webb House Telescope (JWST) could possibly give us a tantalising glimpse of the surfaces of rocky planets exterior our photo voltaic system, in addition to their atmospheres.

A method of measuring the environment of a distant planet is to look at because it passes, or transits, in entrance of its star. As mild passes by way of the environment, molecules will soak up sure wavelengths of sunshine, serving to astronomers to determine its composition.

Measuring the floor of a planet is trickier. Any mild reflecting off …