Astronomers Map Extreme Atmosphere of WASP-121b, 900 Light-Years Away

Astronomers have conducted the first detailed study of the atmosphere of the exoplanet WASP-121b, also known as Tylos, revealing extreme weather patterns unlike anything observed in our Solar System. Located 900 light-years away, this ultra-hot Jupiter experiences scorching temperatures sufficient to vaporize metals like iron, leading to chaotic atmospheric conditions characterized by powerful winds and distinct atmospheric layers. Researchers used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope to create a 3D map of Tylos's atmosphere, identifying layers with iron, sodium, and hydrogen winds. The study found that a powerful jet stream transfers material across the equator, with winds reaching speeds nearly double those of Earth’s strongest jet streams. Lead researcher Julia Victoria Seidel emphasized that the planet's atmospheric behavior challenges existing models of planetary weather, likening it to something out of science fiction. These findings pave the way for future studies of exoplanet atmospheres and their unique climates.