A Distant Giant With a Tail 40 Earths Long
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Astronomers have discovered that a giant gas planet, known as WASP-69 b, located approximately 160 light-years from earth, possesses an enormous tail of escaping gas that stretches for an incredible 350,000 miles (560,000 kilometers).
this tail, which is over 40 times the width of Earth, is composed primarily of helium and hydrogen escaping from the planet’s atmosphere due to the intense heat of its host star. The planet, which is similar in size to Jupiter but less massive, orbits incredibly close to its star, completing an orbit in just 3.9 days.
A Gaseous Giant Loses Mass
Since its revelation in 2014, scientists have observed WASP-69 b losing up to 200,000 tons of gas every second. “Previous observations suggested that WASP-69 b had a small tail or no tail at all,” explains Dakotah Tyler, a candidate in astrophysics at UCLA and lead author of the study published in Astronomy and Astrophysics. “Though,we have been able to show conclusively that the planet’s helium tail is at least seven times the giant [exoplanet]’s radius.
At this rate, it’s predicted that WASP-69 b will lose a mass equivalent to seven Earths over its estimated lifetime.
The stunning discovery was made using the W.M. Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, providing astronomers with precise measurements of the planet and its extended tail.
Comet-Like Features
WASP-69 b had previously been thought to have a comet-like tail, but this had never been confirmed. This new finding sheds light on the complex interactions between exoplanets and their stars. The planet’s intense proximity to its star likely plays a key role in driving the massive loss of gas, creating the impressive tail that astronomers have now documented.
Giant Exoplanet Spotted with a Comet-Like Tail
Astronomers have discovered a gas giant exoplanet,known as WASP-69 b,sporting an incredible feature: a tail of gas stretching out behind it. This remarkable sight, captured by the WM Keck Observatory, offers a new window into the dynamics of star systems and the evolution of giant planets.
This unique tail is formed by “stellar winds“ – streams of charged particles constantly ejected by the host star. These winds push against the planet’s atmosphere, sculpting the gas into a distinctive comet-like shape. As described in a NASA statement issued December 10, if these stellar winds were to subside, the tail would gradually disappear. The gas escaping from the planet would then assume a more symmetrical,spherical shape.
“if the stellar wind slows down, then you can imagine that the planet is still losing some of its atmosphere, but has not yet acquired the shape of its tail, ” said lead researcher, Dr. Tyler, in the NASA statement.–”But if you increase the stellar wind, the atmosphere will be sculpted into a tail.”
This discovery raises exciting possibilities for astronomers. The tails of these gas giants can act as giant “windsocks,” allowing scientists to measure the strength and characteristics of stellar winds from distant stars. This valuable data can shed light on the processes governing the formation and evolution of both stars and planets.
“These comet-like tails are valuable because they form when the expelling planet’s atmosphere collides with the star’s wind, causing gas to be blown back,” explained the study’s co-authors.
Unlocking Secrets of a Comet’s Tale: New Discovery
A recent observation has shed light on the interesting dynamics of a comet’s tail, providing valuable insights into its interaction with the solar wind. According to Erik Petigura, a professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA, this discovery allows scientists to delve deeper into this complex celestial ballet. As Petigura explained, “Observing the elongated tail allows us to study this interaction in great detail.” The elongated tail of the comet provides a unique window into the forces at play as the comet travels through space. by analyzing its structure and composition, researchers can gain a better understanding of how solar wind, a constant stream of charged particles from the sun, affects comets and other celestial objects. This discovery paves the way for further studies that could unravel the mysteries surrounding cometary tails and their role in the evolution of our solar system.## Unlocking the Secrets of a Gas giant’s Tail
**Q:** **John Doe**, What is the name of the exoplanet with a comet-like tail?
**A:** the exoplanet with the comet-like tail is named WASP-69 b.
**Q:** **Jane Smith**,How long is the tail of WASP-69 b?
**A:** The tail of WASP-69 b is estimated to be 350,000 miles (560,000 kilometers) long. That’s over 40 times the width of Earth!
**Q:** **John Doe**, What causes the tail to form?
**A:** The tail is formed by the intense heat of WASP-69 b’s host star, which causes helium and hydrogen gas to escape from the planet’s atmosphere. This gas is then sculpted into a tail-like shape by the star’s stellar winds.
**Q:** **Jane smith**, How much mass is WASP-69 b estimated to lose over its lifetime?
**A:** scientists predict that WASP-69 b will lose a mass equivalent to seven Earths over its estimated lifetime.
**Q:** **John Doe**, Where is the W.M. Keck Observatory located, which allowed astronomers to make this finding?
**A:** The W.M. Keck Observatory is located on Mauna Kea, Hawaii.
**Q:** where is the W.M.Keck Observatory located?
**A:** The W.M. Keck Observatory is located on Mauna Kea,Hawaii.
