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New James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) data confirms that Pluto's extensive atmospheric haze plays a crucial role in regulating its climate, making it cooler than expected. This haze, composed of complex organic molecules, absorbs and re-radiates sunlight, a mechanism previously theorized but now confirmed by JWST's ability to separate Pluto's and Charon's thermal signals. This discovery offers insights into the climates of other hazy worlds, including Triton and Titan, and may even shed light on early Earth's atmosphere.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.