JWST finds an atmosphere around scorched super-Earth TOI-561 b

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope observed nearly four orbits of the lava super-Earth TOI-561 b, 280 light-years away, and found it wrapped in reflective clouds of vaporized silicate minerals. The planet orbits its star every 11 hours, with surface temperatures above 1,800 °C, and reflects about 75% of starlight, comparable to Venus.

• TOI-561 b orbits its star every 11 hours and is tidally locked
• Surface temperatures exceed 1,800 °C and the planet reflects about 75% of starlight
• Its atmosphere contains clouds of silicon dioxide and magnesium silicate
• Researchers will determine whether the atmosphere resembles Venus or an extreme Io