Tag Archives: monoxide

Webb Discovers Silicon Monoxide in the Atmosphere of Ultra-Hot Jupiter WASP-121b

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Astronomers leveraging the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified water, carbon monoxide, and methane in the atmosphere of WASP-121B, as well as in Earth’s nightside atmosphere. This marks the first detection of silicon monoxide in any planetary atmosphere, including those within our solar system and beyond.

This artistic impression illustrates the phase during which WASP-121B collects most of its gas, inferred from recent findings. Image credit: T. Muller, MPIA & HDA.

WASP-121B is approximately 1.87 times larger and 1.18 times more massive than Jupiter.

First discovered in 2016, it completes an orbit around its host star, the F6-type WASP-121 (TYC 7630-352-1), in just 1.3 days, as observed by the WASP-SOUTH SURVEY.

The WASP-121 system is situated about 881 light years away in the constellation of Puppis.

Characterized as an Ultra Hot Jupiter, WASP-121B orbits its parent star in a mere 1.3 days, being so close that the star’s gravitational pull begins to physically disrupt it.

Estimates suggest that the temperatures on the planet’s eternal daytime side exceed 3,000 degrees Celsius, while the nightside cools down to around 1,500 degrees Celsius.

“The discovery of silicon monoxide in the atmosphere of WASP-121B is revolutionary, marking the first definitive identification of this molecule in any planetary atmosphere,” stated Dr. Anjali Piette, an astronomer at the University of Birmingham.

“The composition of the nightside atmosphere of WASP-121B indicates vertical mixing: the transport of gases from deeper atmospheric layers to the peak observed in infrared light.”

“We were surprised to find methane on the nightside given the extreme temperatures of this planet.”

Measurements of carbon-to-hydrogen, oxygen-to-hydrogen, silicon-to-hydrogen, and oxygen-to-oxygen ratios in the atmosphere suggest that during its formation, WASP-121B’s atmosphere was enriched by inner rocky materials enhanced by erosion-resistant bombardment.

“They’re outstanding,” remarked Dr. Thomas Evans Soma, an astronomer at Newcastle University.

In their research, astronomers employed a method known as phase curve observation, which entails tracking a planet’s orbit around its star and analyzing variations in its brightness.

These observations reveal details about both the daytime and nighttime hemispheres, along with their chemical makeups.

“The successful detection of these elements and characterization of WASP-121B’s atmosphere with Webb showcases the telescope’s capabilities and sets a precedent for future exploratory research,” Dr. Piette remarked.

Study published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.

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TM Evans-Soma et al. Ultra-Stellar C/O ratio in the atmosphere of SIO and giant exoplanet WASP-121. Nature Astronomy Published online on June 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02513-x

Source: www.sci.news

Recent study explains the atomic-level process of microorganisms metabolizing carbon monoxide.

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More than 2 billion tons of carbon monoxide are released in the atmosphere every year. Various bacteria and old bacteria take this in about 250 million tons, reducing carbon monoxide to a safer level. According to new studies, these microorganisms use a special enzyme called CO Dehydrogenase to extract energy from this universal but very toxic gas.

kropp et al。 Demonstrates that CO dehydrogenase can oxidize carbon monoxide to an invasion level. Image credit: NASA / NOAA / GSFC / SUOMI NPP / VIIRS / NORMAN KURING.

“Carbon monoxide is a powerful poison with multiple cell life, and is also a high -energy fuel and carbon source of microorganisms,” said the University of Monash University and his colleagues, Ashley Crop.

“Carbon monoxide is released in large quantities in the atmosphere, and nature and human sources contribute to the estimated 26 million tons of carbon monoxide emissions each year.”

“Nevertheless, the average carbon monoxide concentration in the atmosphere remains very low at about 100 ppb for consumption by non -biological processes and microbial oxidation.”

“Microorganism consumption accounts for an estimated 10 to 15 % of carbon monoxide removed from the atmosphere (approximately 250 million tons per year).”

In their research, the authors showed for the first time how Co -Dehydrogenase extracted carbon monoxide and power cells.

“This enzyme is used in microorganisms of our soil and water areas. These microorganisms consume carbon monoxide for their own survival, but in the process. Help me, “said Kropp.

“This was a great example of the ingenuity of microorganisms. How did life evolve how toxic toxic things are evolved,” said Devid Gillet, the University of Monache.

“These microorganisms help to clean our atmosphere. This is because carbon monoxide is indirectly greening gas in opposition to air pollution that kills millions of people every year. Reduce warming.

“This discovery is unlikely to be used directly to fight the emissions of carbon monoxide, but deepen understanding of how the atmosphere is regulated and how it will respond to future changes. Nothing.

“This discovery emphasized the wider importance of microorganisms,” said Professor Chris Green at the University of Monash.

“Microorganisms have countless roles that are indispensable to both human and planet health, but they are often misunderstood and are often misunderstood, so they are often noticed.”

“Microorganisms were a major reason for our air,” said Kropp.

“We breathe, detoxify various pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, and make half of oxygen to detoxify.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal Natural chemical student。

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A. KROPP et al。 Kinon extraction promotes carbon monoxide oxidation in the atmosphere of bacteria. NAT CHEM BIOLReleased online on January 29, 2025. Doi: 10.1038/S41589-025-01836-0

Source: www.sci.news