The James Webb telescope detects carbon dioxide in a centaur for the first time

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The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected carbon dioxide in a centaur for the first time. Centaurs are icy objects that orbit the Sun. While carbon monoxide has been detected in two known centaurs, this recent discovery could mark a turning point in how scientists understand. 

The JWST is a space telescope designed to conduct infrared astronomy. Its high-resolution and high-sensitivity instruments allow it to view objects too old, distant, or faint for the Hubble Space Telescope. 

The JWST launched on December 25, 2021. It orbits the Sun 1.5 million kilometers (1 million miles) away from the Earth at what is called the second Lagrange point or L2.

The first clear evidence of carbon dioxide in a planet outside the solar system was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on July 10, 2022. The JWST’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) captured a transmission spectrum of the hot gas giant exoplanet WASP-39 b. The data showed a distinct peak between 4.1 and 4.6 microns, which is the first clear, detailed, indisputable evidence for carbon dioxide ever detected in a planet outside the Solar System. 

WASP-39 b is a hot gas giant, which is around one-quarter that of Jupiter. It is located 700 light-years away from Earth. The discovery provides clues to how the planet formed. 

The first possible evidence of an exoplanet was noted in 1917, but was not recognized as such. The first confirmation of the detection occurred in 1992.

Yes, carbon is found on other planets: 

  • Venus: Venus’s atmosphere is 96% carbon dioxide. 
  • Mars: Mars’s atmosphere is 95% carbon dioxide. 
  • 55 Cancri e: This planet is eight times the mass of Earth and twice the radius. It’s covered in graphite and diamond rather than water and granite. 
  • K2-18 b: This exoplanet is 8.6 times as massive as Earth. It has carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide. 
  • Europa: This icy moon of Jupiter has carbon dioxide. 

Carbon is the fourth most common element in the solar system after hydrogen, helium, and oxygen

Carbon dioxide was first discovered by Flemish scientist Jan Baptista van Helmont around 1630. Van Helmont identified a gas given off by burning wood and named it “gas sylvestre” (“wood gas”). He also observed it as a product of fermentation. 

Scottish chemist Joseph Black first identified carbon dioxide in the 1750s. Black noticed that when heated, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) produced a gas that was denser than air and could not sustain fire or animal life. He called the gas “fixed air”. 

At room temperatures (20-25 oC), carbon dioxide is an odourless, colourless gas, which is faintly acidic and non-flammable. Its molecular formula is CO2.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has multiple missions, including: 

  • Observing distant objects The JWST is designed to observe the most distant objects in the universe, including the first galaxies formed 
  • Studying planets The JWST will study unexplored planets around distant stars, including potentially habitable planets 
  • Examining cosmic history The JWST will examine every phase of cosmic history, from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets 
  • Surpassing the Hubble Telescope The JWST’s main goal is to surpass the range of the Hubble Telescope 

The JWST is one of NASA’s Great Observatories, which are huge space instruments that peer deep into the universe. It builds on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope’s powerful imaging capability and the Spitzer Space Telescope’s ability to detect light beyond the visible spectrum, into the mid-infrared range.

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One thought on “The James Webb telescope detects carbon dioxide in a centaur for the first time

  1. The discovery of carbon dioxide in a centaur by the James Webb Space Telescope is a significant achievement in understanding celestial bodies. The JWST’s capabilities and mission to explore distant objects and cosmic history are truly groundbreaking. It continues to push the boundaries of our knowledge about the universe. 👍🤝Great.

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