An Exoplanet With A Comet-Like Giant Tail | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Hot Jupiters, gas giants orbiting extremely close to their star, have been found to have tails extending into space due to stellar winds.

Key Insights

• 🪐 Hot Jupiters, like WASP 69b, are extreme exoplanets that defy the characteristics of planets in our solar system.
• 😅 Stellar winds cause hot Jupiters to lose mass, leading to the formation of long tails.
• 😅 The tails of hot Jupiters can vary in length and appearance, likely influenced by the activity cycles of their host stars.
• 😅 Observations of hot Jupiters provide valuable insights into planetary and solar system formation and the potential for habitability.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How do astronomers observe the atmospheres of exoplanets like hot Jupiters?

Astronomers observe the transit of exoplanets in front of their star, measuring the dip in brightness. The absorption of photons by the planet's atmosphere during transit can reveal its composition and characteristics.

Q: Are there variations in the length and appearance of the tails of hot Jupiters?

Yes, observations have shown that the length and appearance of the tails can vary. Some observations have shown tails two planetary radii long, while others show no tail at all. The variability is likely influenced by the activity cycles of the star.

Q: How do hot Jupiters compare to the Sun?

Hot Jupiters orbit stars that are similar to the Sun, but with slightly smaller masses and radii. These stars are more active, which affects the mass loss of the planets.

Q: What are the implications of studying hot Jupiters for understanding planetary formation and habitability?

Studying hot Jupiters can shed light on the processes that shape different planetary systems, including our own. It helps researchers understand the conditions necessary for habitable planets to form and the potential for life in the universe.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Hot Jupiters, like WASP 69b, are giant gas planets that orbit extremely close to their stars in just a few days.

• Observations have shown that these planets are losing mass to space through the action of stellar winds, forming long tails.

• Helium observations of the tail of WASP 69b revealed that it is at least 350,000 miles long, and the mass loss rate is estimated to be around 200,000 tons per second.