How to Study Exoplanets: Webb and Challenges

Thousands of exoplanets have been discovered so far, prompting an abundance of questions about these distant worlds that orbit stars outside our solar system. This video explores how NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is advancing our understanding of exoplanets, and the current challenges astronomers encounter when studying these planetary bodies.

Within its first few years, Webb has studied a variety of exoplanets, including gas giant exoplanet WASP-39 b and rocky exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 b. With each exoplanet observation, the telescope is broadening astronomers’ knowledge about the universe.

Since exoplanets are distant and faint worlds, astronomers have developed scientific tools and innovative techniques to overcome certain observational obstacles. Although limitations still exist, even with current telescope technology, Webb is just getting started and scientists continue to learn more about exoplanets every day!

Learn more about how Webb is studying exoplanets:

• Webb's Impact on Exoplanet Research
• How Do We Learn About a Planet's Atmosphere?
• Webb Exoplanet Science Releases