[Linktipp] Iron winds on an ultra-hot exoplanet (NCCR PlanetS; vom 06.09.2024)

An international team of astronomers, including scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the National Centre of Competence in Research PlanetS, has identified the presence of iron winds in the atmosphere of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-76 b. This planet with its extreme conditions – over 2000 degrees Celsius – is a prime target for researchers, who for several years have been dissecting the slightest physical mechanisms at work in its atmosphere. The presence of a ‘‘rainbow’’ was detected there last April, for example. The discovery of iron winds sweeping across the day side of the planet offers new insight into the complex climatic dynamics of this distant world. These results can be found in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Weiter lesen unter: https://nccr-planets.ch/blog/2024/09/05/iron-winds-on-an-ultra-hot-exoplanet/