The most overblown super-Neptune has a cloudy atmosphere

The most overblown super-Neptune has a cloudy atmosphere

Scientists conducted a spectroscopic review of exoplanets WASP-127b (the most bloated super-Neptune) and noticed that there is an atmosphere in a strange world completely or partially enveloped in clouds.

The object reaches 0.18 times the mass of Jupiter and is 1.37 times its radius. Among all the super-Neptunes has the lowest level of density. On the orbital passage around the star G5 takes 4.2 days. Removed 332 light years from us. Its brightness, as well as the proximity of the planet make WASP-127b a remarkable goal for the study of atmospheric features.

That is why the scientists decided to apply spectroscopic observations using the ALFOSC spectrograph installed on the 2.5-meter Northern Optical Telescope. Such studies are important because they allow to understand the state of the atmosphere and understand why the planet is so bloated. The spectrum revealed a strong Rayleigh slope at blue wavelengths and a hint of sodium absorption. This suggests that the unit is considering a cloudy atmosphere. But to confirm this, additional research will be needed. The team proposes to use ground-based telescopes, among which is the most powerful James Webb, whose launch is scheduled for October 2018.

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