Video animation of WASP-107b transiting its parent star (VIDEO)
Caption
WASP-107b is a unique gaseous exoplanet that orbits a star slightly cooler and less massive than our Sun. The mass of the planet is similar to that of Neptune but its size is much larger than that of Neptune, almost approaching the size of Jupiter. This characteristic renders WASP-107b rather ‘fluffy’ when compared to the gas giant planets within our solar system. The fluffiness of this exoplanet enables astronomers to look roughly 50 times deeper into its atmosphere compared to the depth of exploration achieved for a solar-system giant like Jupiter.
Credit
Illustration: LUCA School of Arts, Belgium/ Klaas Verpoest (visuals), Johan Van Looveren (typography). Science: Achrène Dyrek (CEA and Université Paris Cité, France), Michiel Min (SRON, the Netherlands), Leen Decin (KU Leuven, Belgium) / European MIRI EXO GTO team / ESA / NASA
Usage Restrictions
This video may only be used with appropriate credit and in relation to the press release "James Webb Space Telescope detects water vapour, sulfur dioxide and sand clouds in the atmosphere of a nearby exoplanet", issued under embargo on November 13, 2023.
License
Original content