Science and Exploration

Jwst

5 articles

Editorial illustration for How JWST Reads Exoplanet Air: Transmission and Emission Spectroscopy Compared
Space & Astronomy

How JWST Reads Exoplanet Air: Transmission and Emission Spectroscopy Compared

The James Webb Space Telescope employs transmission and emission spectroscopy to analyze exoplanet atmospheres, revealing their composition, temperature, and weather patterns. These complementary techniques are crucial for understanding alien worlds and advancing the search for life beyond Earth.

Dr. Alistair Finch·October 18, 2026
A swarm of advanced telescopes in orbit around a vibrant exoplanet, searching for signs of extraterrestrial life.
Space & Astronomy

Astronomers propose telescope swarm to detect alien life

On April 16, researchers announced a 'three sigma' detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), implying a less tha

Dr. Alistair Finch·June 20, 2026
An exoplanet with a thick, dark, sooty atmosphere resembling diesel exhaust, observed by the James Webb Space Telescope.
Earth & Environment

Models predict JWST will detect exoplanets with diesel smog

Imagine a world half the mass of Jupiter, orbiting a dim K-dwarf star, its atmosphere thick with the same sooty hydrocarbons found in diesel exhaust on Earth.

Mateo Rojas·June 14, 2026
The exoplanet WASP-94A b showing dynamic magnesium silicate cloud cycles forming in the morning and dissipating by evening, observed by the James Webb Space Telescope.
Tech & Innovation

JWST spots cloud cycles on exoplanets with new method

On the distant exoplanet WASP-94A b, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have observed magnesium silicate clouds forming in the morning and completely dissipating by evening, revea

Jina Park·June 5, 2026
The James Webb Space Telescope in orbit, focusing its instruments on the distant, temperate gas giant exoplanet TOI-199b, highlighting the detection of methane.
Deep Frontiers

JWST Detects Methane in Atmosphere of Temperate Exoplanet TOI-199b

On a world the size of Saturn, bathed in a balmy 79 degrees Celsius, the James Webb Space Telescope has pierced the veil of exoplanet TOI-199b, pinpointing methane, a fundamental organic molecule.

Mateo Rojas·June 1, 2026