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Why the discovery of sulfur dioxide and photochemistry on an exoplanet is a big deal [boingboing.net]:

YouTube's friendly neighborhood astrophysicist, Dr. Becky (joined by Dr. Jake Taylor), discusses the recent findings of the presence of sulfur-dioxide (only possible through photochemistry) on WASP-39b, a planet in the constellation Virgo.

Dr. Becky explains why WASP-39b was chosen for early exoplanet exploration using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and why the ability to detect photochemistry is so important.

While WASP-39b is a gaseous hellscape, at 1500-degrees F, the discovery of sulfur-dioxide in the planet's atmosphere means that photochemistry is at work and confirms that the JWST is able to detect it. This means that the JWST will also be able to detect ozone (also produced through photochemistry) in the atmospheres of more Earth-like planets. Atmospheric ozone is critical in shielding UV radiation here on Earth and would likely function similarly on any planets that may harbor organic life.

• NASA set the 5000 exoplanets so-far observed to music—music defined by the date of each discovery. On March 21, 2022, the number of known exoplanets passed 5,000 according to the NASA Exoplanet Archive. This 360-degree animation and sonification tracks humanity's discovery of the planets beyond our solar system over time. Turning NASA data into sounds…

• In a bit of editorializing, CBS News reports that scientists from McGill University, York University, and the Indian Institute of Science Education have published a new paper about a recently-discovered "bizarre, hellish exoplanet," currently known as K2-141b. As a press release from McGill explains: The atmosphere and weather cycle of at least one such exoplanet…

• During the January 2019 total lunar eclipse, astronomers trained the Hubble Telescope on our moon in order to calibrate how future telescopes will look for possible life on exoplanets by measuring ozone levels.

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• We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. There's nothing more nerve-wracking than wondering if the holiday gifts you ordered will arrive on time. Unfortunately, on-time delivery is hardly promised this season, except during our Last Chance Shipping Sale.…

• We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. It's time for some holiday shopping, and if you're not doing it online, you'll be, well, in line. Since there aren't many folks who find hanging out at big box stores…

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