Webb telescope captures rare view of distant exoplanet before it fades from sight

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have captured a rare view of the exoplanet AF Lep b, a young gas planet located 88 light-years away. This observation was urgent, as the planet will soon be obscured by its star's brightness for over a decade. The telescope's coronagraph blocked 90% of the star's light, allowing scientists to study AF Lep b's atmosphere. They detected carbon monoxide, indicating strong atmospheric activity. This discovery adds to the growing knowledge of exoplanets, with over 5,700 confirmed so far. The Webb telescope, with its large mirror and infrared capabilities, is set to enhance our understanding of distant worlds. It can analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets, revealing their chemical compositions and potentially uncovering new insights about the universe.