Celestial phenomena such as sun dogs, rainbows, and glories are breathtaking natural spectacles that could potentially be seen in the skies beyond Earth as well.
In a groundbreaking discovery, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has found evidence for tiny quartz crystals in the high altitude clouds of a hot Jupiter, located an astounding 1,300 light years away from Earth. This new knowledge gives us unprecedented insight into the exoplanet's atmosphere, providing a tantalising glimpse into the possibility of habitable planets beyond our solar system.
The JWST's sophisticated instruments allow scientists to observe optical phenomena that are invisible to normal cameras. One such phenomenon is sun dogs, the brilliant spectral displays that often split white light into the colours of the rainbow. These mesmerising spectacles are best seen during wintertime at latitudes similar to Europe or Argentina, and they occur due to light being bent by horizontally oriented hexagonal ice crystals high up in the atmosphere.
On Earth, we can only ever see two sun dogs at a time due to the shape of our atmospheric ice crystals. However, planets with ammonia crystals in their high atmospheres, such as Jupiter and Saturn, would potentially exhibit four separate sun dogs. This intriguing possibility was suggested by a new paper, authorship of which remains undisclosed in the search results.
Atmospheric optical phenomena, such as lights, glories, and rainbows, are not exclusive to our planet. They may also occur in alien skies, offering a wealth of information about a planet's atmosphere. For instance, scientists have used rainbows and glories on Venus to decipher the mysteries of Venus' extreme heat and yellow colour.
This research holds significant implications for the future of exoplanet exploration. By studying these optical phenomena, scientists can gather valuable data about a planet's atmospheric composition, temperature, and weather patterns. This information could be crucial in the search for habitable planets, potentially paving the way for the discovery of life beyond Earth.
Peter Berthelemy, a PhD Candidate in Atmospheric Physics at the University of Bath, has been at the forefront of this exciting field. Berthelemy, who does not have any affiliations that would benefit from this article, emphasises the importance of these findings: "Understanding the optical properties of exoplanets' atmospheres is key to understanding their potential habitability. These discoveries bring us one step closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone in the universe?"
As we continue to explore the cosmos, the study of atmospheric optical phenomena will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in our quest to uncover the secrets of the universe. The JWST's groundbreaking discovery serves as a testament to the power of scientific exploration and the endless possibilities that lie beyond our own solar system.
