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Type: Discovered/Found

  • Webb Telescope Captures Weather on Exoplanet WASP-94A b

    Why in the news?

    Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope observed weather patterns on the exoplanet WASP-94A b located nearly 700 light years away from Earth.

    Key Highlights

    • The study was published in the journal Science on May 21, 2026.
    • Scientists detected:
      • Cloud formation
      • Atmospheric circulation
      • Dynamic weather cycles on the exoplanet.
    • The exoplanet studied is:
      • WASP-94A b.

    About WASP-94A b

    • It is a Gas giant exoplanet.
    • Nearly Twice the size of Jupiter.
    • It has about half Jupiter’s mass.
    • Completes one revolution around its star in Four days.

    What are Hot Jupiters?

    • “Hot Jupiters” are Massive gas giant exoplanets orbiting very close to their host stars.
    • Characteristics:
      • Extremely high temperatures
      • Tidally locked rotation
      • One side permanently facing the star.

    Tidally Locked Planets

    A tidally locked planet has:

    • Rotation period equal to revolution period.
    • As a result:
      • One side remains permanently day side.
      • The other side remains permanently night side.

    Weather on WASP-94A b

    Scientists observed:

    • Morning side: Clouds of magnesium silicate, iron and magnesium sulphide.
    • Evening side: Relatively clear skies.

    Clouds form on the cooler night side and move towards the hotter day side through powerful winds before dissipating.

    How Were the Atmospheres Studied?

    Scientists used:

    • Spectroscopy
    • Transit method

    Spectroscopy

    • Light from the host star is split into wavelengths.
    • Atmospheric gases absorb specific wavelengths.
    • This helps identify chemical compounds present in the atmosphere.

    Transit Method

    • The exoplanet passes in front of its host star.
    • The atmosphere absorbs part of the starlight.
    • Scientists analyse these changes to study atmospheric composition.

    About the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

    • Launched: December 2021.
    • Joint project of:
      • NASA
      • ESA
      • CSA.
    • Purpose:
      • Study the early universe
      • Exoplanets
      • Infrared astronomy.

    About Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)

    • Being built by the European Southern Observatory.
    • Location: Northern Chile.
    • Importance: May help discover more Earth like exoplanets and planetary systems.

    [2017] What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

    [A] To detect neutrinos

    [B] To detect gravitational waves

    [C] To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

    [D] To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

  • Long-tailed Duskhawker Rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh

    Why in News?

    A rare dragonfly species, the Long-tailed Duskhawker, has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after 110 years in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve.

    About the Species

    • Scientific name: Gynacantha khasiaca
    • Belongs to the order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)
    • Known for:
      • Near 360° vision
      • Compound eyes with thousands of lenses
      • Ability to hover still in air

    Rediscovery

    • Last recorded in 1914 from the erstwhile Abor Hills
    • Rediscovered at Deban in Namdapha National Park in October 2024
    • Study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa

    Ecological Importance of Dragonflies

    Dragonflies and damselflies are:

    • Predators and prey in freshwater ecosystems
    • Indicators of healthy aquatic habitats
    • Important for ecological balance

    Odonata Diversity

    • Global: 6,442 species across 693 genera
    • India: 504 species and 27 subspecies
    • Arunachal Pradesh: Around 110 species recorded

    Distribution of Long-tailed Duskhawker

    Apart from Arunachal Pradesh, reported from:

    • Assam
    • Maharashtra
    • Meghalaya
    • Uttarakhand
    • West Bengal

    Significance of Rediscovery

    • Highlights rich biodiversity of Northeast India
    • Emphasises habitat protection and biodiversity monitoring
    • Shows importance of citizen science in conservation

    About Namdapha National Park

    • Located in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh
    • One of India’s largest protected areas
    • Known for tropical rainforests and rich wildlife diversity

    [2017] Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
    1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
    2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
    3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
    Select the correct using the code given below:

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3