Diluvio de hierro en un exoplaneta

Un equipo científico internacional liderado por la Universidad de Ginebra y con participación del Centro de Astrobiología (CAB, CSIC-INTA) y del Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, ha descubierto un exoplaneta gigante con temperaturas diurnas capaces de vaporizar el hierro, y que podría condensar en gotas de lluvia en las regiones nocturnas. El hallazgo ha sido posible gracias al nuevo instrumento ESPRESSO instalado en el telescopio VLT del Observatorio Europeo Austral (ESO).

Impresión artística de la atmósfera del planeta WASP-76b. Crédito: ESO

Los investigadores han utilizado el Very Large Telescope (VLT, telescopio muy grande) de ESO situado en Cerro Paranal en el desierto chileno de Atacama para observar el exoplaneta WASP-76b, situado a unos 390 años luz de distancia en la constelación de Piscis. Se trata de un exoplaneta gigante extremadamente caliente, con unas temperaturas diurnas que suben por encima de los 2400°C, lo suficientemente altas como para vaporizar metales como el hierro. Los fuertes vientos trasladan el vapor de hierro hacia las regiones nocturnas, más frías, con temperaturas que disminuyen hasta valores en torno a los 1500°C, que condensan el vapor en gotas que podrían precipitar como lluvia. «Se podría decir que este planeta se vuelve lluvioso por la noche, con la excepción de que llueve hierro», dice David Ehrenreich, investigador de la Universidad de Ginebra y autor principal del estudio publicado hoy en la revista Nature.

WASP-76b no sólo presenta diferencias notables de temperatura entre las caras diurna y nocturna, sino que también tiene una química distinta en ambas regiones, según el nuevo estudio. Utilizando el nuevo instrumento ESPRESSO (Echelle SPectrograph for Rocky Exoplanets and Stable Spectroscopic Observations, Espectógrafo Echelle para exoplanetas rocosos y observaciones espectroscópicas estables) instalado en el VLT, los investigadores identificaron por primera vez variaciones químicas en un exoplaneta gigante. Se ha detectado la firma inequívoca de la presencia de vapor de hierro en la zona del terminador, la frontera del planeta donde se pasa del día a la noche.

El fenómeno observado es debido a que el exoplaneta muestra siempre la misma cara a su estrella anfitriona, permaneciendo en noche perpetua en su cara oculta. Esta situación, conocida como “acoplamiento de marea”, es la misma que se da entre la Luna y la Tierra, y en ella el tiempo que tarda el exoplaneta en girar alrededor de su eje coincide con el tiempo que tarda en recorrer su órbita alrededor de la estrella anfitriona. El exoplaneta WASP-76b recibe miles de veces más radiación de su estrella anfitriona que la Tierra del Sol, lo que provoca que la temperatura en su cara diurna sea tan elevada que las moléculas se separen en átomos, y que metales como el hierro se encuentren en la atmósfera en forma de vapor.

Como señala María Rosa Zapatero Osorio, investigadora del CAB y coordinadora del equipo científico de ESPRESSO, “las observaciones muestran que el vapor de hierro es abundante en la atmósfera de la cara diurna y caliente de WASP-76b. Una parte de ese hierro es inyectada hacia la cara oscura del planeta debido a su rotación y los vientos atmosféricos. Allí, se topa con un ambiente enormemente más fresco, se condensa y precipita”.

El instrumento ESPRESSO fue diseñado originalmente para descubrir exoplanetas similares a la Tierra alrededor de estrellas similares al Sol, sin embargo, ha demostrado ser mucho más versátil. «Lo que tenemos ahora es una forma completamente nueva de rastrear el clima de los exoplanetas más extremos», concluye Ehrenreich.

Compartir:

189 comentarios

  1. Fixing Roku Error Code 014.50 involves a few steps to restore your device’s connectivity. Begin by ensuring your Wi-Fi signal is strong and stable. Restart your router and modem, allowing them to fully reboot. In your Roku settings, choose «Network» and then «Set up connection.» Opt for a wireless connection and select your network from the list. Enter the Wi-Fi password accurately. If the error persists, consider adjusting your router’s security settings (WPA2 is recommended). Alternatively, reset your Roku device to factory settings and repeat the setup process. If troubles continue, contacting Roku support or checking for firmware updates might provide a solution.

  2. Venice, the enchanting city of canals and timeless beauty, may not boast the typical sandy shorelines, but it offers a unique coastal experience that’s as captivating as its historic allure. The shores of Beaches in Venice are like a well-kept secret, awaiting those who seek a distinct and picturesque encounter with the sea.

  3. This post really made me rethink how I approach this topic. I never realized this detailed information could have such an impact. Thanks for shedding light on this! Being your fan, I want to grab your sight on my work on Citrine Earrings. I request you to please have a look at our website and share your feedback with us.

  4. This post really made me rethink how I approach this topic. I never realized this detailed information could have such an impact. Thanks for shedding light on this! Being your fan, I want to grab your sight on my work on Peridot Jewelry. I request you to please have a look at our website and share your feedback with us.

  5. Excellent blog! Thank you very much for sharing this topic’s valuable information. This platform is refreshing since it provides readers with interesting and thoroughly researched information. I would like to draw attention to the fact that our platforms now provide possibilities for those who have a flare for writing and are interested about trends to Write for us technology. This might be a great opportunity to meet other computer enthusiasts who share your interests, develop your online profile, and exchange expertise. If you’re seeking new viewpoints or contributors to help you grow your content, asking individuals to Write for us Technology might help your platform attract a variety of creative and original ideas. Once again, thank you for the insightful article. I hope to read more from you!

  6. Such a beautiful way to describe two different things at a time. I never considered that this topic could be so deep until reading yours! I want to draw attention that we are also seeking your guidance on Larimar Jewelry as we work on it. If you have any information or suggestions about the topic, please send us your feedback. We are eagerly waiting for your further blog.

  7. Your blog post really sparked my curiosity! I had never known that this topic could be this vast and informative. As we are working on Turquoise Pendent, we want some information and your suggestion on this topic. For a brief detail what we are into, please visit out website. We will be waiting for your new blog and your feedback for us.

  8. Reading your blog is always a delight! Your way of simplifying complex ideas is remarkable. Would love to see your insights on ‘Charoite Ring’ as we’re exploring this theme. Excited for your next article!

  9. Hi there, I found your blog by the use of Google whilst searching for a similar subject, your website got here up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  10. Hi there, constantly i used to check website posts here in the early hours in the dawn, as i love to gain knowledge of more and more.|

  11. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Many thanks!|

  12. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.|

  13. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply great and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.|

  14. Hey there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a fair price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!|

  15. Somebody essentially help to make significantly articles I might state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular submit extraordinary. Wonderful task!|

  16. Howdy fantastic website! Does running a blog like this require a large amount of work? I’ve very little expertise in coding but I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject but I just needed to ask. Cheers!|

  17. I am not positive where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I must spend a while studying more or working out more. Thanks for great information I used to be looking for this info for my mission.

  18. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your website in web explorer, might check this? IE still is the market chief and a good component to folks will leave out your fantastic writing due to this problem.

  19. First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head before writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas out. I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Kudos!|

  20. UpvoteRocket delivers anonymous automated votes to 25+ game server toplists XtremeTop100, GTop100, TopG, MMtop200, RagnaTOP, MuTop100 and more. Undetectable, no bans, no risk. Pay only per successful vote delivered. Launch a campaign in seconds and rank higher today.

  21. UpvoteRocket is an automated vote delivery service for game server toplist websites. Buy votes for 25+ supported ranking sites including XtremeTop100, GTop100, TopG, MMtop200 and more. Real mobile proxy IPs, pay per vote, instant campaign setup.

Deja un comentario