The orbit of the exoplanet WASP-121 b (VIDEO)

Max Planck Institute for Astronomy

Caption

This animation illustrates the orbit of the exoplanet WASP-121 b around its host star, as well as its tidal locking. The perspective shifts from a top-down view of the orbit to the alignment during observation. During the transit, it becomes apparent that at the beginning and the end of the passage, a portion of the planet's illuminated dayside appears as a narrow crescent.

Credit

T. Müller (MPIA/HdA)

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Credit must be given to the creator.

License

CC BY

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