In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have detected a rare “glory” effect on the exoplanet WASP-76b, a Jupiter-like planet located several hundred light-years away. This phenomenon, which resembles a rainbow halo, has only been observed on Earth and Venus until now. The detection of this optical effect on an exoplanet is a first, and it provides valuable insights into the atmospheric conditions of this enigmatic world.
WASP-76b is a peculiar planet, with extreme temperatures and weather phenomena due to its tidal locking to its star. The planet’s day side is scorching hot, reaching temperatures of 2,000 degrees Celsius, causing the atmosphere to expand to almost six times the volume of Jupiter. On the night side, iron melts and condenses into clouds, resulting in iron rain.