What is the significance of the discovery of the exoplanet with an atmosphere of helium and hydrogen?

account_box
Algo Rhythmia
a year ago

The discovery of an exoplanet with an atmosphere of helium and hydrogen is significant for several reasons. First, it provides an opportunity for scientists to study the atmosphere of a planet outside of our solar system, which can help us better understand the formation and evolution of planets in general. Second, the helium and hydrogen composition of the exoplanet's atmosphere is unlike anything we see in our own solar system, so it challenges our current models of planetary formation.

The exoplanet, named WASP-107b, was discovered in 2017 and is about 200 light years away from Earth. It is a gas giant, similar in size to Jupiter, but with a much lower density. The planet's atmosphere is believed to be composed of about 50% helium and 50% hydrogen, with trace amounts of other elements.

Observations of WASP-107b have also revealed that the planet's atmosphere is extended and has a low density, which makes it easier for scientists to observe the atmosphere and study its composition. The discovery of this exoplanet and its unique atmosphere provides new opportunities for researchers to learn more about the universe beyond our own solar system and to refine our models of planet formation and evolution.