James Webb Space Telescope Observes Mysterious Rogue Planet-Like Object

New JWST data uncovers detailed atmospheric changes in SIMP 0136.

Advertisement
Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 6 March 2025 20:54 IST
Highlights
  • JWST studies SIMP 0136, a rogue planetary-mass object in deep space
  • The object may be a failed star or a free-floating planet
  • Infrared observations reveal complex atmospheric activity
James Webb Space Telescope Observes Mysterious Rogue Planet-Like Object

An illustration of the planetary-mass object SIMP 0136

Photo Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva

A detailed investigation of an isolated planetary-mass object has been conducted using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), revealing critical atmospheric insights. Located approximately 20 light-years from Earth, SIMP 0136 has drawn significant interest due to its ambiguous nature—floating freely without a parent star and possessing characteristics that align both with planets and failed stars. Its mass is estimated to be around 13 times that of Jupiter, yet its size remains similar. The object's rapid rotation results in a day lasting just 2.4 Earth hours.

Findings of the Study

According to research published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, SIMP 0136 could either be a rogue planet or a brown dwarf, a celestial body that forms like a star but lacks sufficient mass to sustain hydrogen fusion. The JWST's observations, carried out across two full rotations, provided unprecedented details about its atmospheric composition.

The study was led by Allison McCarthy, a researcher at Boston University. Speaking in an official statement, she mentioned that previous investigations had indicated brightness variations, suggesting dynamic atmospheric activity. The JWST's Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) allowed the team to capture detailed infrared light curves, revealing how different wavelengths fluctuated over time.

Atmospheric Composition and Variations

As reported, multiple layers within the atmosphere were identified, each displaying distinct properties. One wavelength group indicated the presence of patchy iron clouds at lower altitudes, while another suggested silicate clouds higher up. Some brightness variations observed could not be explained solely by cloud cover, hinting at chemical reactions or auroral activity.

Advertisement

Principal investigator Johanna Vos of Trinity College Dublin told that this level of spectral variation had never been observed before. The team is now working to decode the role of methane and carbon dioxide, as their concentrations appear to shift across different atmospheric regions.

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Upcoming Phones in July: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, OnePlus Nord 5, More
  2. Oppo Reno 14 Pro 5G Series Set to Launch in India on This Date
  3. Nothing Phone 3 Surfaces on Geekbench Ahead of Launch on July 1
  4. Vivo TWS Air 3 Pro With Up to 47 Hours Total Battery Life Launched
  5. You Can Now Build and Share Interactive AI Apps With Claude
  1. Axiom Mission 4 Successfully Docks on International Space Station; Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Reach Milestone
  2. Redmi K80 Ultra With Dimensity 9400+ SoC, 7,410mAh Battery Launched: Price, Specifications
  3. Telegram Bot Reportedly Spotted Selling Sensitive Personal Data of Indian Users
  4. Nothing Phone 3 Confirmed to Feature 50-Megapixel Periscope Telephoto Camera
  5. Vodafone Idea Rolls Out New Max Family Plan with Bundled Netflix Subscription: Price, Benefits
  6. Samsung Galaxy Buds Core TWS With ANC, Galaxy AI Features Launched in India: Price, Specifications
  7. iPhone 16 Available at Rs. 68,400 With Cashback Offer, Making It a Great Deal
  8. Xiaomi Mix Flip 2 With Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, 50W Wireless Charging Launched: Price, Specifications
  9. Anthropic Now Lets Claude Users Build and Share AI-Powered Interactive Apps
  10. Lumio Arc Projector Teased Ahead of Possible Amazon Prime Day Launch
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.