Detect the complex atmospheres of a "giant buyer" planet

The Observatory of Southern Europe was able to make the first direct observation of a planet outside our solar system thanks to a device called GRAVITY, a second-generation photovoltaic instrument based on a very large scale. Interference using a light pickup technique called optical interference measurement.

This innovative method revealed the complex atmosphere of the planet HR 8799th, a planet described as a "giant buyer" around the 30 million year old star (HR 8799), at 129 years -light of the Earth in the constellation of the Great Persians. On a large wreck and four giant planets called HR 8799b, HR 8799c, HR 8799d, HR 8799e.

According to the Astrophysical Society of Jeddah, the team's measurements have allowed to detect the components of the planet's atmosphere 8799th HR, which appeared to be made up largely of carbon monoxide compared to the methane, which was unexpected from the chemistry to balance.

The team explained this result with a strong vertical wind in the atmosphere preventing carbon monoxide from interacting with hydrogen to form methane.

Scientists have discovered that the atmosphere of planet HR 8799e also contains clouds composed of iron particles and silica dust, indicating that the increase in carbon monoxide concentration indicates that the atmosphere of the planet is linked to a massive and violent storm.

The observations indicate a ball of gas lit from the inside, with rays of warm light hovering through stormy patches of dark clouds.

The study shows that convection moves around clouds of silica and iron particles, which disintegrate and fall inside.This image portrays the dynamic atmosphere of a giant planet outside our solar system at birth, subject to complex physical and chemical processes.

According to the researchers, the new findings, which reveal the characteristics of the planet HR 8799e, require a device of high precision and sensitivity, achieved by the device "GRAVITY" after using it with four telescopes in the camera. observatory of Southern Europe to mimic together a larger telescope using the technique of "interference scale", and the creation of a massive telescope The telescope has allowed to accurately capture the light from the atmosphere of the HR 8799e and that of its star.