Rotten eggs chemical detected on Jupiter-like alien planet
Astronomers have unveiled new insights into the extreme exoplanet HD 189733b, revealing a trace of hydrogen sulfide in its atmosphere. This finding adds a new layer to the planet’s already notorious reputation.
Discovered in 2005, HD 189733b is a scorching hot gas giant, larger than Jupiter and strikingly cobalt blue. Known for its molten glass rain and fierce winds, the planet orbits 170 times closer to its star than Jupiter does to the Sun, completing an orbit every two days.
Researchers, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, reported on Monday that this planet, located 64 light-years away in the constellation Vulpecula, is the first exoplanet found to contain hydrogen sulfide— the chemical responsible for the smell of rotten eggs.
Lead author and astrophysicist Guangwei Fu of Johns Hopkins University remarked, “The stinky smell certainly adds to its infamous reputation. This is not a planet we humans want to visit, but it’s a valuable target for understanding planetary science.”
HD 189733b is classified as a “hot Jupiter,” a type of gas giant known for its high temperatures due to proximity to its host star. With surface temperatures reaching about 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit (930 degrees Celsius), it is distinctly different from our solar system’s planets.
Fu noted that hot Jupiters are rare, found in less than one in 100 star systems. “Their close distance makes them bright and easy for detailed studies,” he explained, highlighting the significance of the new findings.
The star HD 189733b orbits is smaller and cooler than the Sun, part of a binary system that affects its gravitational dynamics. Webb’s advanced capabilities enable detailed observations of such distant worlds, expanding our understanding of exoplanetary atmospheres.
Study co-author Luis Welbanks from Arizona State University emphasized the similarities between HD 189733b and Jupiter, stating, “This planet is very much like Jupiter, but just hotter.” Both planets exhibit trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide, underscoring commonalities in gas giant composition.
In addition to hydrogen sulfide, the Webb observations identified water and carbon dioxide in HD 189733b’s atmosphere. This trio of molecules offers valuable insights into the planet’s formation and its potential differences from solar system planets.
Webb’s findings also ruled out the presence of methane, refining our understanding of the planet’s atmospheric chemistry. Welbanks remarked, “Understanding the composition of this and other exoplanets helps us contextualize our own solar system.”
While HD 189733b is not a candidate for life due to its extreme conditions, these discoveries are crucial for comprehending the diverse environments that exist across the universe. They provide a foundation for exploring the formation processes of planets beyond our solar system.
