NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has recently provided detailed information on two young exoplanets, shedding light on their atmospheres and formation processes.

The latest data from the Webb telescope has uncovered fascinating details about these exoplanets, including the presence of a rare moon-forming disk around one planet and silicate clouds around the other. These planets are part of a super-solar system orbiting the star YSES-1.

James Webb Space Telescope Data

Dr. Kielan Hoch and an international team utilized spectroscopic data from JWST to conduct this research. The two gas giants orbit a star similar to the Sun, but they are much larger than Jupiter and are located farther from their star. This system showcases the diverse environments planets can exist in throughout the universe.

To analyze the atmospheres of these planets, the team studied their emission spectra. By identifying the specific wavelengths of light absorbed by atmospheric molecules, they were able to determine the chemical composition of the planets.

Dr. Evert Nasedkin, a co-author of the study, explained that the smaller planet, YSES 1-c, exhibited silicate clouds in the mid-infrared range. These clouds, made of sand-like particles, represent a significant discovery in exoplanet research.

Young Planets

The researchers believe that the youth of these planets contributes to their unique features. Younger planets tend to have larger radii, allowing for extended atmospheres that can absorb more light. Detailed modeling helped identify the chemical composition and characteristics of these silicate clouds.

Despite the relatively young age of the YSES-1 system, one of its planets, YSES-1b, appears to host a moon-forming disk. This is a rare phenomenon, as only a few such disks have been observed, raising questions about the longevity of this material around the planet.

Studying systems like YSES-1 provides valuable insights into the formation of planets and helps scientists understand the origins of our own solar system. Observing the development of Jupiter-like planets in other systems offers clues about the early stages of planetary formation.

The research team, comprised of early career researchers, made significant contributions to this study. Their efforts led to groundbreaking discoveries about exoplanet atmospheres and formation processes.

Conclusion

The findings from the study, titled “Silicate Clouds and a Circumplanetary Disk in the YSES-1 Exoplanet System,” were published in Nature on June 10, 2025. This research underscores the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope in advancing our understanding of distant planets and their environments.