LTT 9779 b is one of the few known planets in the
Neptunian desert. It is highly reflective, with an
albedo of (reflects 73% of light +/- 11%) . Global climate models of the planet indicate it has a very metal-rich atmosphere, with clouds made of
silicate likely being present. A study using JWST
NIRISS found highly reflective white
clouds on the western dayside of LTT 9779b. The researchers suggest an eastwards equatorial
jet, leading to a colder western dayside, allowing the formation of silicate clouds. These clouds can be best described as composed of MgSiO3 (
enstatite) and Mg2SiO4 (
forsterite). The study also detected
water vapor in the atmosphere in the form of a dip at 1.4 μm. The dayside temperature was measured to be and the nightside temperature was measured to be 3) clouds. == Name ==