The extremely elliptical orbit of gas giant exoplanet HD 80606 b results in temperature swings of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius) during the course of its 111-day trip around its Sun-like star. Scientists see the exoplanet’s extreme conditions as an ideal opportunity to test current understanding of atmospheric radiation, dynamics, and chemistry. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first mid-infrared spectroscopic observations of the exoplanet before, during, and after its closest approach to its star. The research team behind the study is presenting Webb’s observation program, and their preliminary results, at the 248th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Pasadena, California.