Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered an unusual “salt cloud” atmosphere on a distant object known as the Pink Planet (GJ504b).

The object, located about 57 light-years from Earth, is a planetary-mass companion that could be either a giant exoplanet or a small brown dwarf.

Researchers say its relatively cool temperature for a gas giant—about 550°F—likely allows salts to form clouds, a feature not previously observed.

The finding was difficult to achieve because earlier observations from Earth failed, but Webb’s infrared instruments enabled a successful detection in just two hours, CBS News has reported.

Scientists say the discovery could help identify and study other cold, metal-rich worlds beyond our solar system.