Exploring exoplanet dynamics with JWST: Tides, rotation, rings, and moons

Although nearly 6,000 exoplanets are currently known, in most cases, our knowledge is limited to a handful of the planet's orbital characteristics and bulk properties such as radius and mass. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) can expand our knowledge not only by probing exoplanet atmospheres but also by measuring additional orbital and physical properties of exoplanets, thanks to its superior light-gathering power and measurement precision. Here, we describe the potential of JWST to unveil dynamical phenomena that were previously beyond our reach, such as tidal distortion and inflation, rotational flattening, planetary rings, and moons.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Published
2025-09-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2416189122
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.31
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Exploring exoplanet dynamics with JWST: Tides, rotation, rings, and moons

Sarah Millholland, Joshua N. Winn
2 citations
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
2.31
article

Exploring exoplanet dynamics with JWST: Tides, rotation, rings, and moons

Sarah Millholland, Joshua N. Winn
article en
2 citations

Abstract

Although nearly 6,000 exoplanets are currently known, in most cases, our knowledge is limited to a handful of the planet's orbital characteristics and bulk properties such as radius and mass. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) can expand our knowledge not only by probing exoplanet atmospheres but also by measuring additional orbital and physical properties of exoplanets, thanks to its superior light-gathering power and measurement precision. Here, we describe the potential of JWST to unveil dynamical phenomena that were previously beyond our reach, such as tidal distortion and inflation, rotational flattening, planetary rings, and moons.

Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesVol. 122(39)
Princeton University (US), Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (US), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
2.31
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Exploring exoplanet dynamics with JWST: Tides, rotation, rings, and moons — Sarah Millholland, Joshua N. Winn · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS