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WASP-127b
Context
Astronomers have recently detected incredibly fast winds on an exoplanet called WASP-127b. These winds are the fastest ever observed on any known planet. The winds reach speeds of 33,000 km/h around the equator of this planet. For comparison, the fastest winds on Earth’s jet stream move at about 442 km/h, and Neptune's high-altitude winds reach about 2,000 km/h.
What is WASP-127b?
- WASP-127b is a hot Jupiter type of exoplanet.
- It is located 520 light-years away from Earth in our Milky Way galaxy.
- The planet has a diameter 30% larger than Jupiter, but only 16% of Jupiter's mass, making it one of the puffiest planets ever discovered.
- It orbits its star every 4 days and is positioned very close to the star—only about 5% of the distance between Earth and the Sun.
- Characteristics of WASP-127b
- Atmosphere: The atmosphere of WASP-127b is made mostly of hydrogen and helium, with traces of more complex molecules like carbon monoxide and water.
- Temperature: The atmosphere is extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 2,060°F (1,400 K). The planet has one side that always faces the star (day side) and the other side that faces away from the star (night side).
- No Solid Surface: Being a gas giant, WASP-127b does not have a solid surface. Instead, its atmosphere gets denser and more pressurized the deeper you go.
- Cause of the High-Speed Winds: The incredibly fast winds on WASP-127b are largely driven by the intense radiation from the star the planet orbits. The star heats the planet’s day side, which in turn creates strong atmospheric dynamics. This heat, combined with other factors, causes fast-moving winds to circle the planet at its equator.
- Comparison to Other Planets: While other exoplanets have shown high winds, WASP-127b is unique for having winds that circle the entire planet at such high speeds. Other planets have had high winds flowing from their day side to their night side, but nothing compares to the supersonic winds around the entire planet’s equator.
Fact Box: Exoplanets
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