The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured its first direct images of carbon dioxide on a planet beyond our solar system, marking a major milestone in exoplanet research.

Focusing on the HR 8799 system, 130 light-years away, JWST observed four planets, including HR 8799 e, revealing heavy metals in its atmosphere, supporting the theory of planet formation through gradual clumping from a gas and dust disk.

These findings offer insights into how planets form, with implications for understanding our solar system’s uniqueness, Space.com has reported.

JWST also imaged the planet 51 Eridani b, adding to its ability to directly observe distant exoplanets.

Written by B.C. Begley