The Webb Telescope Discovers the First Clear Evidence of a 'Vapor World'.

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a new type of exoplanet, known as a steam world, based on information provided by the James Webb Space Telescope. This planet, named GJ 9827 d, is located approximately 100 light-years from Earth in the constellation Pisces. It has been described as the first direct indication of a planet covered by warm, humid heat, and its atmosphere is primarily composed of water vapor.

GJ 9827 d is a super-Earth that is about twice the size of our planet and exhibits extreme conditions, with surface temperatures estimated at 660 degrees Fahrenheit, in contrast to the average of 59 degrees Fahrenheit on Earth. The atmosphere of this exoplanet is dense and rich in water, suggesting an environment devoid of ice or flowing water on its surface.

Researchers had been specifically searching for water worlds, theorizing about their existence, but this discovery provides concrete evidence that such planets may actually exist. Eshan Raul, a student involved in the research, commented on the excitement of discovering something that was previously considered purely theoretical.

Furthermore, this type of world resembles what one would expect from the icy moons of Jupiter, such as Europa and Ganymede, if they were situated closer to the sun. In the case of GJ 9827 d, its proximity to its host star places it in a unique category, where hydrogen is not the main component of its atmosphere, distinguishing this finding from other worlds that orbit gas giants.

The research was conducted using a technique called transmission spectroscopy, which allows scientists to analyze how the light from the star is filtered through the atmosphere of the exoplanet. Through this process, scientists have been able to determine the molecular composition of the vapor present on the planet.

Although GJ 9827 d would not be suitable for life as we know it on Earth, the finding of a rocky world with a water vapor-rich atmosphere represents an important step for the scientific community. Future research is planned to further investigate rocky planets, especially those that orbit red dwarf stars, which are the most common type of stars in our galaxy.

The exploration of these mysterious worlds, between the size of Earth and Neptune, aims to enhance our understanding of the atmospheres of potentially habitable exoplanets, and this discovery could be a milestone in that direction.