WASP-12b is a massive gas giant orbiting close to its parent star which is slowly devouring it. This alien world is almost twice the size of Jupiter and takes only 1.1 days to orbit its star.
With temperatures reaching a scorching 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, WASP-12b is being stretched into the shape of an egg by enormous tidal forces caused by its star's extreme gravity. In just 10 million years, this planet could be completely consumed!
The hulking monster of a star is stealing pieces of its nearby planet, cannibalizing it to create the ultimate Frankenstein creation.
Below are other interesting facts about the planet WASP-12b:
1️⃣ Carbon-rich atmosphere: WASP-12b is one of the few known exoplanets with an atmosphere rich in carbon. In fact, the carbon-to-oxygen ratio is estimated to be greater than one, suggesting the presence of various carbon compounds, such as methane, carbon monoxide, and even carbon-rich silicates. 🌌
2️⃣ Thermal emission spectrum: The thermal emission spectrum of WASP-12b has been observed to be featureless, which is unusual for a hot Jupiter. This might be due to the presence of a high-altitude layer of haze or clouds that obscure the spectral features, or it could be the result of unique atmospheric chemistry caused by the high carbon-to-oxygen ratio. 🔥
3️⃣ Atmospheric loss: While it is known that WASP-12b is losing its atmosphere due to its extreme proximity to its host star, the rate of this loss is remarkably high. Observations suggest that the planet is losing mass at a rate of around 10^9 grams per second, which is equivalent to losing three Earth-sized planets over the course of its lifetime. 💨
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