Exoplanet WASP-127b

• 28 Jan 2025

Source: TH 

Astronomers have discovered extreme wind speeds of up to 33,000 km/h on the exoplanet WASP-127b, a gas giant located about 520 light years from Earth.  

• These winds move at around 6 times the speed of the planet's rotation, which is the fastest observed on any planet. 

WASP-127b 

• About: 
  • WASP-127b is an exoplanet (orbits a star outside the solar system) classified as a "hot Jupiter". 
  • It is about 30% larger than Jupiter but only 16% of its mass, making it one of the "puffiest" planets with a low density, but with extreme conditions. 
• Orbit: 
  • The planet orbits its star closely, completing an orbit every 4 days, resulting in extreme temperature differences between its day side (constantly exposed to stellar radiation) and its night side (perpetually in darkness). 
• Atmosphere: 
  • The atmosphere consists of hydrogen, helium, and traces of carbon monoxide and water. The day side temperature reaches 1,127°C, with the night side also heated by stellar radiation (Electromagnetic Radiation emitted by stars). 

 

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