Possible transmission spectrum of the hot sub-Neptune exoplanet TOI-421 b. A transmission spectrum shows the amount of starlight of different wavelengths (colors) that is blocked by the planet’s atmosphere. Researchers use computer models to predict what spectra will look like assuming certain plausible atmospheric conditions such as temperature, the abundance of different gases, and what types of aerosols are present.
This particular simulation assumes that TOI-421 b has a hot hydrogen-, carbon-, and oxygen-rich atmosphere that is free of clouds and haze. Webb’s Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) and Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) will make it possible to easily identify and measure the abundance of molecules like water (H2O), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in a haze-free atmosphere like this. The spectrum shows prominent peaks indicating an abundance of water vapor and carbon dioxide, and minor amounts of methane. Once Webb observes the planet, researchers will compare the real data to simulated spectra like this to determine the actual conditions of the planet.
Credits
Illustration
NASA, ESA, CSA, Dani Player (STScI)
Science
Eliza Kempton (UMD)
| About The Object | |
|---|---|
| Object Name | TOI-421 b |
| Object Description | Hot sub-Neptune exoplanet |
| R.A. Position | 5:27:24.79 |
| Dec. Position | -14:16:36.27 |
| Constellation | Lepus |
| Distance | 244 light-years |
| About The Data | |
| Data Description | Simulated transit observations of TOI-421 b using NIRISS-SOSS and NIRSpec +G395M, assuming a clear, metal-enhanced (100x solar) atmosphere. (Kempton, et al., Cycle 1 GO Proposal 1935) |
| About The Object | |
|---|---|
| Object Name | A name or catalog number that astronomers use to identify an astronomical object. |
| Object Description | The type of astronomical object. |
| R.A. Position | Right ascension – analogous to longitude – is one component of an object's position. |
| Dec. Position | Declination – analogous to latitude – is one component of an object's position. |
| Constellation | One of 88 recognized regions of the celestial sphere in which the object appears. |
| Distance | The physical distance from Earth to the astronomical object. Distances within our solar system are usually measured in Astronomical Units (AU). Distances between stars are usually measured in light-years. Interstellar distances can also be measured in parsecs. |
| Dimensions | The physical size of the object or the apparent angle it subtends on the sky. |
| About The Data | |
| Data Description |
|
| Instrument | The science instrument used to produce the data. |
| Exposure Dates | The date(s) that the telescope made its observations and the total exposure time. |
| Filters | The camera filters that were used in the science observations. |
| About The Image | |
| Image Credit | The primary individuals and institutions responsible for the content. |
| Publication Date | The date and time the release content became public. |
| Color Info | A brief description of the methods used to convert telescope data into the color image being presented. |
| Orientation | The rotation of the image on the sky with respect to the north pole of the celestial sphere. |
