WASP-43 b, also known as a “Hot Jupiter,” is a gas giant with a mass about 1.8 times that of Jupiter and a diameter 1.3 times larger. It orbits its host star at a distance of only 1/20th of Mercury’s distance from the Sun, resulting in a scorching surface temperature of approximately 4,600 degrees Fahrenheit (2,500 degrees Celsius).
Revealing Fierce Winds and Atmospheric Dynamics
The JWST’s observations have revealed that WASP-43 b has a cloudy nightside and a clear dayside, with equatorial winds howling around the planet at a staggering 5,000 miles per hour (8,000 kilometers per hour). This is the first time such extreme wind speeds have been measured on an exoplanet, offering a unique opportunity to study atmospheric dynamics in extreme environments.
Implications for Exoplanet Formation and Evolution
The discovery of these fierce winds also has implications for understanding the formation and evolution of exoplanets. The high-speed winds on WASP-43 b could be indicative of strong tidal forces between the planet and its host star, which could influence the planet’s shape and internal structure.