For the first time, carbon dioxide has been detected on exoplanets outside our solar system, observed by the James Webb Space Telescope on four planets in the HR 8799 system. This discovery provides insights into planet formation, indicating that these exoplanets likely formed via core accretion similar to Jupiter and Saturn. The findings highlight the presence of heavier elements in their atmospheres. This research aims to enhance our understanding of our solar system in the broader context of exoplanetary systems, helping define how normal or unusual our solar system is.
By detecting these strong formations of carbon dioxide, we have shown that there is a considerable fraction of heavier elements, such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, in the atmospheres of these planets.
Our hope with this type of research is to understand our own solar system, life, and ourselves in comparison to other exoplanetary systems, so we can contextualize our existence.
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