NishMath - #aasnova

JWST is currently being used to study exoplanets, particularly sub-Neptunes, providing valuable data on their atmospheric composition. A recent study utilized JWST spectroscopy to analyze the atmosphere of the sub-Neptune GJ 3090b. This planet orbits a late-type, low-mass star and its radius places it at the outer edge of the radius valley. Sub-Neptunes are the most common type of planet in the Milky Way, however their formation and composition are not well understood, making these studies especially important.

The JWST's observations of GJ 3090b revealed a low-amplitude helium signature, suggesting a metal-enriched atmosphere. The presence of heavy molecules like water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur further contributes to the understanding of the planet's atmospheric properties. These atmospheric observations help clarify how hydrogen and helium may be escaping the planet’s atmosphere, with the presence of metals slowing down mass loss and weakening the helium signature.

While JWST is making significant contributions to exoplanet research, it won't find the very first stars. Other telescopes will be needed to make those observations. JWST however contains some of the latest discoveries, including the new cosmic record-holder for the most distant galaxy, MoM-z14.


References :

• StartsWithABang: Earlier this week, I gave a talk about JWST to the RASC Toronto audience through York University, and it has the latest and greatest of its discoveries inside, including the new cosmic record-holder for most distant galaxy: MoM-z14. Check it out!
• aasnova.org: Abundant but Ambiguous: Understanding the Atmospheres of Sub-Neptunes with JWST

Classification:

• HashTags: #JWST #Exoplanets #Astrochemistry
• Company: AASNova
• Target: Exoplanets
• Product: Astronomy
• Feature: Atmosphere
• Type: Research
• Severity: Informative

Recent astrophysics research has shed light on Jupiter Trojans, Titan's seas, and dwarf galaxies, utilizing advanced observational tools. The Cassini spacecraft captured a remarkable phenomenon on Titan, Saturn's largest moon, observing sun glitter and sunglint reflecting off its hydrocarbon seas. These observations provide invaluable insights into the complex interaction between Titan’s liquid surfaces and its atmosphere.

The Cassini observations of specular reflection, or sunglint, confirmed the presence of liquid on Titan's surface. Researchers have identified oily lakes and seas of liquid hydrocarbons like methane and ethane. A recent study from Michael Heslar and Jason Barnes focused on Punga Mare, the smallest of Titan’s named seas, where extraterrestrial waves were definitively identified. The analysis of sunglint and sun glitter phenomena, with localized changes in surface angle reflecting sunlight, offers a unique opportunity to study Titan's coastal regions.

Additionally, a new study published in the Open Journal of Astrophysics explores the characteristics of dwarf galaxies within the TNG50 field. The research, conducted by Joy Bhattacharyya and Annika H.G. Peter from Ohio State University, and Alexie Leauthaud from UC Santa Cruz, aims to connect the star-formation rates of these galaxies with their surrounding environments. This work utilizes advanced computational models to deepen our understanding of galactic evolution and the factors that influence star formation in these smaller galaxies.


References :

• aasnova.org: Sun Glitter and Sunglint on Titan’s Hydrocarbon Seas

Classification:

• HashTags: #Astrophysics #JWST #Cosmology
• Company: AASNova
• Target: Understanding
• Product: Astrophysics
• Feature: Spectroscopy
• Type: Research
• Severity: Medium