Wasp121b (IMAGE) University of Maryland Caption This artist's illustration shows WASP-121b, a distant world that is losing magnesium and iron gas from its atmosphere. The observations represent the first time that heavy metals have been detected escaping from a "hot Jupiter," which is a large, gaseous exoplanet that orbits very close to its host star. WASP-121b's orbit is so close that the star's gravity is nearly ripping the planet apart, giving the planet an oblique football shape. Credit NASA, ESA, and J. Olmsted (STScI) Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.