Reflective Clouds Found Wrapping a Scorched Exoplanet
Observations by the James Webb Space Telescope suggest that the scorching rocky exoplanet TOI-561 b possesses an atmosphere wrapped in reflective silicate mineral clouds. The planet orbits its star every 11 hours with dayside temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Phase curve measurements revealed that the planet reflects roughly three-quarters of the starlight hitting it and redistributes heat across its surface, pointing to the presence of an atmosphere that scientists hope to further characterize to determine its composition.
Ancient Martian Meteorite Points to Early Earth-Like Conditions
Researchers at the University of New Mexico and collaborating institutions identified a 4.1-billion-year-old Martian meteorite named Teghaza 001. Using uranium-lead age analysis on tiny zircon crystals, scientists determined the sample is the oldest Martian igneous rock discovered to date. The meteorite displays unusual oxygen isotope compositions and domains rich in manganese oxide, providing evidence that early Mars experienced fluid activity and environmental conditions more similar to an ancient, wetter Earth during the Pre-Noachian period.
Astronauts Deploy New Solar Array During Landmark Space Station Spacewalk
NASA astronaut Anil Menon and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk successfully installed and deployed a rolled-out solar array on the International Space Station during the 100th U.S. spacewalk from the orbiting laboratory. The 7-hour and 11-minute extravehicular activity marked the first Canadian spacewalk since 2019. The new iROSA hardware increases the station's power supply to support ongoing operations and future requirements as the outpost prepares for its eventual controlled deorbit.
Written with AI from original reports. Source names and report dates are shown with each story.
The Cosmic Dispatch
Your weekly space newsletter: our latest video, the week’s most-watched Short, one extraordinary discovery, a surprising fact and a simulation to explore.
