Sodium and water vapor detected in the atmosphere of the hot Saturn HAT-P-44 b

Star system: HAT-P-44 | Distance from the Sun: 1136 light years

Astronomers have successfully analyzed the atmosphere of HAT-P-44 b, a gas giant similar in size and temperature to Saturn, located in a tight orbit around its star. Using the William Herschel Telescope, the team detected the chemical signature of sodium and found evidence of water vapor within the planet's envelope. 

The findings suggest the planet has a relatively clear atmosphere at high altitudes, free from thick clouds, and a chemical composition richer in heavy elements than our own Sun. Interestingly, HAT-P-44b appears to be a near-twin of the well-studied exoplanet WASP-39b, showing very similar atmospheric characteristics despite being a much fainter target to observe.

Scientific study

LRG-BEASTS: Detection of sodium and evidence for water absorption in the hot Saturn HAT-P-44b (external link)