Astronomers Discover Record-Breaking Winds on Exoplanet WASP-127b

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A recent study reveals that the gas giant exoplanet WASP-127b, located approximately 520 light-years from Earth, possesses winds reaching speeds of about 20,500 miles per hour. This finding marks the fastest atmospheric winds recorded on any known planet. The research team, led by Lisa Nortmann from the University of Göttingen, published their findings in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

WASP-127b, categorized as a "hot Jupiter," has a diameter approximately 30% larger than that of Jupiter but only 16% of its mass, making it one of the least dense planets observed. It orbits its star every four days at a distance of roughly 5% of the distance between the Earth and the Sun, which results in an extremely high surface temperature of about 2,060 degrees Fahrenheit.

The study explored the dynamics of the planet's atmosphere, which is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and contains traces of more complex molecules, including carbon monoxide and water. The intense stellar irradiation believed to influence the planet's atmospheric winds raises questions about the driving forces behind such extreme wind patterns.

The researchers utilized the CRIRES+ instrument on the Very Large Telescope in Chile to measure the speed of atmospheric molecules by observing light variations as the planet crossed in front of its star. With advancements in observational techniques, the study highlights a growing understanding of exoplanet atmospheres, paving the way for deeper exploration of their characteristics.

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