Groundbreaking Research Reveals Superheated Core of 'Warm Neptune' WASP-107 b, Challenging Planet Formation Theories
May 21, 2024![Groundbreaking Research Reveals Superheated Core of 'Warm Neptune' WASP-107 b, Challenging Planet Formation Theories](https://cdn.brief.news/images/stories/90c4aed8799ee5e0b6fcc9297b39b2c033d136768dfc1cd7e067231dc8bdd492186e80729bcc739a13bbc1f5cf83fcb597425a03780ed38e05ffd4d5eac57758.png)
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope made groundbreaking discoveries about the warm Neptune exoplanet WASP-107 b.
Analysis of its atmosphere revealed that the planet's core is much more massive and its interior significantly hotter than previously thought.
The absence of methane in the atmosphere suggests vigorous mixing of hot gas from the interior, supporting the tidal heating hypothesis.
The high temperature is attributed to tidal heating from its non-circular orbit, explaining its inflated size without extreme formation theories.
The core is twice as massive as previously estimated, shedding light on how planets like WASP-107 b form.
This study provides valuable insights into the composition and dynamics of low-density exoplanets and may offer clues into rocky planets and biomarker signatures.
Future research will focus on determining the heat source of the planet's core and its interactions with its star.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
![A warm Neptune’s methane reveals core mass and vigorous atmospheric mixing](https://cdn.brief.news/static/default-preview-images/8.png)
Nature • May 20, 2024
A warm Neptune’s methane reveals core mass and vigorous atmospheric mixing![A high internal heat flux and large core in a warm neptune exoplanet](https://cdn.brief.news/static/default-preview-images/1.png)
Nature • May 20, 2024
A high internal heat flux and large core in a warm neptune exoplanet![Webb Telescope offers first glimpse of an exoplanet's interior](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/90c4aed8799ee5e0b6fcc9297b39b2c033d136768dfc1cd7e067231dc8bdd492186e80729bcc739a13bbc1f5cf83fcb597425a03780ed38e05ffd4d5eac57758.png)
ScienceDaily • May 20, 2024
Webb Telescope offers first glimpse of an exoplanet's interior![Webb Telescope offers first glimpse of an exoplanet's interior](https://cdn.brief.news/images/links/00b8bdb4f974e41cbbb5f55e8a03aed9f68c8ac39e12f7aef52959bc49d4a53e059dd594049884f3d4ff142a7a06819e9741c3b228f03dbae1db7301ed127d43.jpg)
Phys.org • May 20, 2024
Webb Telescope offers first glimpse of an exoplanet's interior