NASA Finds a “Goldilocks” Giant Planet Wrapped in Methane

JWST detected methane in the atmosphere of TOI-199b, a rare temperate Saturn-sized exoplanet about 330 light-years away.

The finding came from transmission spectroscopy and was reported by researchers from Penn State and JPL in the Astronomical Journal.

TOI-199b’s estimated temperature is around 175°F, making it a valuable case for studying gas-giant atmospheres.

The observation could help improve models of planet formation, atmospheric chemistry, and broader climate processes.