Lisbon, Portugal – Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery by spotting a rainbow-like phenomenon on a distant exoplanet for the first time. This phenomenon, known as the “glory effect,” was observed on WASP-76b, an ultra-hot exoplanet located 637 light-years away from Earth. The European Space Agency’s Cheops space telescope detected this rare occurrence, shedding light on new insights into alien worlds.
The glory effect, characterized by concentric rings of colorful light, typically occurs on Earth when light reflects off uniform clouds. Previously, this phenomenon had only been observed on Venus, but the recent detection on WASP-76b showcases its presence in the atmosphere of this scorching-hot exoplanet. Scientists believe that the unique atmospheric conditions of WASP-76b, coupled with the intense radiation from its host star, contribute to the appearance of the glory effect.
Lead study author Olivier Demangeon emphasized the extraordinary nature of this discovery, highlighting the complex conditions required for such a phenomenon to occur outside our Solar System. The unusual properties of WASP-76b, including its inflated size and extreme temperatures, have intrigued astronomers since its discovery in 2013. The planet’s tidally locked nature, with one side constantly facing its star, presents a unique environment for studying atmospheric phenomena like the glory effect.
Through a collaborative effort involving multiple observatories, scientists analyzed the light patterns on WASP-76b to uncover the presence of the glory effect. The detailed observations made by Cheops and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) provided valuable insights into the atmospheric dynamics of this distant exoplanet. The discovery of this rare atmospheric phenomenon opens up new possibilities for studying exoplanets and understanding the diverse conditions that exist beyond our Solar System.
As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of WASP-76b, the presence of persistent clouds and potential elemental compositions in its atmosphere remain topics of ongoing investigation. The implications of detecting the glory effect on such a distant exoplanet suggest the existence of stable atmospheric conditions and the potential for future astronomical discoveries. With advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope and the upcoming Ariel mission, scientists hope to further explore the phenomenon of the glory effect and unlock new revelations about the universe.