The impact of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on astronomy since its launch on Christmas Day 2021 cannot be overstated. From studying objects within the solar system to exploring the very edge of observable space and the earliest galaxies, the JWST has made significant contributions.
While initially expected to focus on the study of ancient galaxies, the $10 billion telescope has unexpectedly become a vital tool in the study of exoplanets – planets beyond our solar system. In celebration of three years of exoplanet science from the JWST, Joshua Lothringer, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, has created a dashboard to showcase the types of planets observed by the telescope.
The dashboard provides data related to the JWST’s exoplanet studies, including visualizations of the planets studied, their names, masses, and orbital periods. According to Lothringer, the dashboard aims to fill a gap in current resources by providing a comprehensive view of the exoplanets observed by the JWST.
With over 20 publications based on JWST observations, including Early Release Science observations, Lothringer’s dashboard offers valuable insights into the diversity of exoplanets studied by the telescope.
Through visualizations and statistical analysis, Lothringer aims to showcase the breadth of the JWST’s exoplanet sample and highlight the telescope’s revolutionary capabilities in studying exoplanet atmospheres.
(Image credit: Joshua Lothringer/ Robert Lea (created with Canva))
Lothringer emphasizes the importance of the JWST in providing comprehensive insights into exoplanet atmospheres, temperatures, and weather patterns across a wide range of planets, from giant gas planets to sub-Neptune and terrestrial planets.
James Webb Space Telescope exoplanet science by the numbers
As of January 2025, the JWST has observed approximately 111 planets, with plans to observe 17 more. The telescope’s ability to study transiting planets, those that pass in front of their host star, enables researchers to analyze the composition of their atmospheres by studying the light passing through them.
The JWST has observed a diverse range of exoplanets, including gas giants, planets similar in mass to Uranus and Neptune, and rocky terrestrial planets. Additionally, the telescope has captured direct images of gas giants orbiting far from their host stars.
(Image credit: Robert Lea (created with Canva))
The JWST’s focus on giant planets stems from their easier detectability and ability to provide valuable insights into exoplanet atmospheres. Lothringer emphasizes the importance of studying these giant planets to understand the diversity of exoplanetary systems and planetary formation.
The JWST’s unique capabilities in collecting photons and observing dim objects, along with its ability to resolve close objects, make it an ideal tool for exoplanet research. Additionally, its infrared sensitivity allows scientists to study molecules like carbon dioxide and methane within exoplanet atmospheres.
JWST exoplanet breakthroughs are a bonus
While the JWST was primarily designed for studying distant galaxies, its unexpected success in exoplanet research has been a pleasant surprise. The telescope’s engineers have expanded its capabilities beyond initial designs, allowing for breakthroughs in exoplanet science.
Lothringer highlights the significance of the JWST’s contributions to exoplanet research, particularly in characterizing planetary atmospheres and understanding planetary systems on a deeper level. The telescope’s ability to study exoplanet spectra has provided valuable insights into planetary interiors and atmospheric processes.
(Image credit: G. Bacon (STScI)/NASA/ESA)
Lothringer’s involvement in JWST exoplanet research has led to significant discoveries, particularly in the study of exoplanet atmospheres. His favorite research project, the Early Release Science program on WASP-39b, provided valuable insights into the composition and characteristics of this distant exoplanet.
Looking ahead, Lothringer is excited about finding trends in the growing library of JWST exoplanet observations and making generalizations about planetary behavior as a whole. He encourages the scientific community to follow updates on the dashboard and his social media channels for the latest insights.
