Hot Jupiter's Atmosphere Reveals Supersonic Winds and Exotic Chemistry

Astronomers using the Very Large Telescope (VLT) have made unprecedented observations of the ultra-hot Jupiter WASP-121 b, also known as Tylos, located 860 light-years away. The planet's dayside temperature reaches 3,000 Kelvin (2,730 °C or 4,940 °F). Key findings include:

* **Supersonic Winds:** A jet stream rotates material around the planet's equator, while a separate flow moves gas from the hot side to the cooler side. These winds are far stronger than any hurricanes in our solar system.
* **Atmospheric Layers:** Researchers created a 3D map of the atmosphere, revealing distinct layers of iron, sodium, and hydrogen, each moving at different speeds and directions.
* **Exotic Chemistry:** The study confirmed the presence of iron and titanium and detected new elements like manganese, cobalt, and strontium.

The detailed analysis, made possible by the VLT's ESPRESSO instrument, provides new insights into exoplanet atmospheres and challenges current climate models. The upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) promises even more detailed observations in the future.