SCIENCE

NASA Webb detects mysterious water vapor

By Sanjana Shankar

1

Finding

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has detected hints of water vapor but researchers are not sure, as yet, if the signals are from the rocky planet or the star it orbits.

2

Exoplanet

The exoplanet, GJ 486 b, lies too close to its host star to have an atmosphere, but Webb's finding suggests the opposite.

3

Red dwarf star

The exoplanet, roughly 30% larger than Earth, is orbiting a red dwarf star, which is the most common type of star found in the universe.

4

Possibility

However, it's equally possible that the water vapor signals are from the planet's host star. Even on our Sun, water vapor can exist in what's called sunspots.

5

Further observations

Further studies may provide insights into Webb's findings of the water vapor signals.

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