Scientists utilized NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to create the first detailed temperature map of the gas giant exoplanet WASP-18 b, which is located 400 light-years away and is about ten times more massive than Jupiter. This ultra-hot planet orbits its star, slightly larger than our Sun, in just 23 hours, with day-side temperatures reaching around 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,700 °C). The research revealed the presence of water vapor in its atmosphere and significant temperature variations, with a stark difference of up to 1,000 degrees between the hottest point facing the star and the twilight zone.
The planet’s unique characteristics stem from its formation from leftover gas during its star’s birth. The team hypothesized about the influence of atmospheric drag and magnetic fields on the planet’s wind patterns. The study highlighted the precision of the Webb Telescope in detecting subtle water features in the ultra-hot atmosphere, indicating the capability for future exploration of various exoplanetary atmospheres. The findings enhance our understanding of gas giants like WASP-18 b and offer insights into planetary formation, contributing to ongoing research on how such unusual planets exist, especially those with no equivalent in our solar system.
