Astronomers at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland used the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to observe the turbulent atmosphere of a nearby free-floating planet known as SIMP-0136. Researchers were able to measure tiny variations in the planet’s brightness as it spun. These subtle shifts revealed information about its temperature, cloud cover, and chemical makeup.

The data also revealed that SIMP-0136 experiences intense auroral activity, light shows that resemble the Northern Lights on Earth and play a role in heating the planet’s atmosphere. Another surprise finding was the lack of variability of the clouds on SIMP-0136, which are composed of silicate grains, similar to sand on a beach.