Webb Telescope Discovers Alien Salt Skies On Famous Pink Planet
Astronomers have finally cracked one of the mysteries of the famous GJ504b Pink Planet, discovering that its signature rosy haze is shrouded in bizarre, swirling clouds of salt.
Located 57 light-years from Earth, GJ504b has captivated scientists since its discovery in 2013. Despite its enchanting appearance, ground-based telescopes have so far failed to see through its faint, distant light, leaving experts guessing about its true nature. However, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has unlocked the planet's environment rich in exotic chemistry and surrounded by salty skies.
The investigation, led by a team at Northwestern University, marked the first time astronomers have obtained direct spectroscopy of the planet's atmosphere. At roughly 25 times the mass of Jupiter, GJ504b straddles the grey area between a massive gas giant and a dim brown dwarf, leading astronomers to classify it broadly as a planetary-mass companion. Unlike most directly imaged exoplanets, which sizzle...
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