NASA’s James Webb Telescope discovers first known rocky planet

‘There are some terrestrial-type atmospheres that we can rule out,’ explained professor Lustig-Yaeger of the John Hopkins University. ‘It can’t have a thick methane-dominated atmosphere, similar to that of Saturn’s moon Titan,’ he said. 

In terms of valid comparisons – aside from Earth, obviously – scientists are examining the planet further to see if thick clouds are present, as proposed. If this proves to be the case, the more accurate comparison from our solar system may be Venus. 

All hands are on deck now to study the planet as much as possible, and there’s understandable excitement about the future of space discovery using the JWST. Its golden eye has already confirmed the existence of over 5,000 alien worlds, after all. 

What was star formation like in the early universe? One way to study conditions in the distant past is to find parallels close by. That's why Webb took a look at star-forming region NGC 346 within our neighboring dwarf galaxy: https://t.co/6HK4jbQiwR #AAS241 pic.twitter.com/XNH3HDCzjC

— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 11, 2023

‘Webb is bringing us closer and closer to a new understanding of Earth-like worlds outside our solar system, and the mission is only just getting started,’ declared NASA astrophysicist Mark Clampin. 

The JWST’s ability to characterise planet atmospheres and search for signs of life in the cosmos represents a powerful tool in humanity’s quest to explore strange new worlds and ultimately shed light on whether we’re alone in the universe. 

Also examining distant star formations earlier this week, NASA is gaining insight into the early conditions of the universe and how the first stars formed two-to-three billion years after the Big Bang. 

That’s the thing about gaining a new tool. You just do not want to put it down.