The 3D structure of the atmosphere of the exoplanet Tylos

Tylos (or WASP-121b) is a gaseous, giant exoplanet located some 900 light-years away in the constellation Puppis. Using the ESPRESSO instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), scientists have been able to prove into its atmosphere, revealing its 3D structure. This is the first time that this has been possible on a planet outside of the Solar System. 

The atmosphere of Tylos is divided into three layers, with iron winds at the bottom, followed by a very fast jet stream of sodium, and finally an upper layer of hydrogen winds. This kind of climate has never been seen before on any planet.

Credit:

ESO/M. Kornmesser

About the Image

Id:eso2504a
Type:Artwork
Release date:18 February 2025, 17:00
Related releases:eso2504
Size:3840 x 2160 px

About the Object

Name:WASP-121 b
Type:Milky Way : Star : Circumstellar Material : Planetary System
Category:Exoplanets

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