First clear evidence of CO2 ice clouds
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first clear evidence for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of a planet outside the solar system, appearing as exotic ice clouds. The discovery on a massive exoplanet challenges previous assumptions about what kinds of atmospheric chemistry exist on distant worlds.
Water ice clouds also found
In April 2026, JWST also stunned scientists by finding unexpected water-ice clouds on a different massive exoplanet. The telescope's advanced infrared capabilities allow it to probe deeper into planetary atmospheres than any previous instrument, revealing chemical compositions that were previously impossible to detect.
What this means for exoplanet research
The detection of CO2 ice clouds marks a milestone in exoplanet atmospheric science. Understanding how carbon dioxide behaves under extreme planetary conditions helps scientists model the atmospheres of smaller, potentially habitable worlds. JWST continues to deliver data that redefines our understanding of planetary systems beyond Earth.