About 5 months have passed since the James Webb Space Telescope was launched into space. Calibration studies continue on the scientific instruments of the most powerful space telescope ever produced. James Webb, who will start working at full capacity in a few weeks, already manages to capture impressive images.
Two lava-covered and atmosphereless planets are waiting to be explored!
NASA has set new targets within the scope of the telescope’s calibration studies. The first of these targets is the lava-covered “55 Cancri e”, while the other is the atmosphereless planet “LHS 3844 b”. These celestial bodies, both of which are outside our solar system, are called super planets.
NASA, who wanted to know more about the geological diversity of the planets in the galaxy and the evolution of the Earth, therefore preferred the two planets mentioned. The space agency will also calibrate the telescope’s high-precision spectrographs.
The lava-covered “55 Cancri e” is only 2.4 million from its own sun. It is located kilometers away. Considering that we are approximately 150 million km away from the Sun, we can say that “55 Cancri e” is quite close to the Sun. This planet therefore hosts very high surface temperatures. Parts of the planet are thought to be covered with oceans of lava.
The much smaller and cooler “LHS 3844 b” will provide scientists with much different information. Rocks on the exoplanet’s surface will be studied more closely with the James Webb Space Telescope. Stating that each rock has different spectra, scientists will also have an idea about the components of the planet.
These two planets with two different characters, quite far from our Earth, are pregnant with many unknowns. By examining these two planets, the James Webb Space Telescope will also showcase its capabilities. At the same time, this research is an important process for the final adjustments of the most powerful telescope ever.
What do you think about the James Webb Space Telescope and the planets it focuses on? You can share your views with us in the comments section.
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