JWST Directly Detects Carbon Dioxide in Exoplanets of HR 8799 System

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has directly imaged carbon dioxide in exoplanets for the first time. The observation focused on the HR 8799 system, located 130 light-years away, specifically targeting its four giant planets. Researchers used JWST's coronagraphs to block the host star's light, enabling direct observation of the planets' emitted light. The detection of carbon dioxide suggests these planets formed via core accretion, similar to Jupiter and Saturn. The HR 8799 system is relatively young, approximately 30 million years old, offering insights into planetary formation. This achievement provides a detailed look at exoplanet atmospheres and helps refine our understanding of planet formation.