WASP-121 b’s Atmosphere Features Iron Rains, Jet Streams, and More

WASP-121 b’s Atmosphere Features Iron Rains, Jet Streams, and More



The identity of an exoplanet with extreme weather conditions, including iron rains and violent winds, is about 900 light-year away. The planet, the WASP-121 B, has been found to experience acute atmospheric activity, with the speed of air more than the strongest storms known in the solar system. Astronomers studying this ultra-hot Jupiter have detected powerful jet currents that transport vaporized metals to different layers of their environment, which contribute to unique and complex weather patterns.

Atmospheric events were seen

according to a study Published In nature, Chile’s Atakama deserts were observed using very large binoculars (VLT). Conclusions suggest that elements such as iron and titanium are transported into the planet by strong atmospheric currents, causing complex weather patterns. Dr. Julia Victoria Cedel, a researcher from Observatoire de La Kota D’Jure, Said An official press release that the planet’s climate challenges the current meteorological understanding.

As InformedWASP-121 b belongs to a category of planets known as ultra-hot geopitors. With about 1.2 times mass of Jupiter, it revolves around its star in only 30 earth hours. Due to its close proximity, the planet is calmly closed, which means that one side is in contact with the daylight of continuous day, while the other is always in the dark.

In days, extreme temperature causes evaporation from metals such as iron. These elements are then transported to the nitcide by high -speed winds, where they are condensed and fall in the form of liquid metal rain. A jet stream has also been detected in half of the planet, furthering atmospheric material between two hemispheres. Dr. Cedel explained [news source] A separate flow in the lower atmosphere leads the gas from the cooler to the gas, an unprecedented meteorological event.

Advanced observation using VLT

Espresso instrument on VLT was used to study the environment in detail, allowing scientists to map various atmospheric layers. Many telescopes were combined to analyze the unconscious details of the atmospheric composition of the planet.

Tracking the movement of hydrogen, sodium and iron provides insight into air patterns at different heights. Space Telescope Science Institute, a researcher Dr. Leonardo A. DOS Santos told [news source] Such detailed observation will be challenging with space telescopes, which highlight the importance of ground-based research.

A surprising discovery was the presence of titanium in the atmosphere of the planet, which was not detected in previous studies. Researchers believe that the element was hidden in deep atmospheric layers. A researcher at Lund University, Dr. Bibiana Pranth told [news source] The study of such distant planets is notable of this level expansion.

These findings contribute to the increasing understanding of the exoplanetary atmosphere, exhibiting extreme and diverse conditions beyond the solar system.