description WASP-12b Overview
WASP-12b is a massive exoplanet orbiting the star WASP-12. This “hot Jupiter” exhibits an exceptionally short orbital period of approximately one Earth day due to its tight proximity to the star. The planet’s rapid movement and intense heat make it a valuable subject for studying atmospheric processes around transiting planets, particularly those undergoing tidal distortion and significant mass loss through stellar interaction. Astronomers researching exoplanet atmospheres and dynamics find WASP-12b particularly interesting.
insights Why this score
WASP-12b ranks #28 of 269 in the Exoplanet ranking, behind Kepler-22b, ahead of Kepler-90i.
help WASP-12b FAQ
How long is a year on the exoplanet WASP-12b?
WASP-12b completes a full orbit around its host star in approximately one Earth day, making it one of the shortest-known orbital periods for any exoplanet. This extreme proximity is what gives the planet its blistering surface temperatures.
What type of exoplanet is WASP-12b?
WASP-12b is classified as an ultra-hot Jupiter, a massive gas giant orbiting extraordinarily close to its star. Its surface temperature is estimated to exceed 2,000 degrees Celsius due to the intense stellar radiation it receives.
What is happening to WASP-12b's atmosphere over time?
WASP-12b's atmosphere is being stripped away by its host star's gravity and radiation, and observations from the Hubble Space Telescope have detected material from the planet being pulled into the star. The planet is also being distorted into an egg-like shape by tidal forces.
How was WASP-12b discovered?
WASP-12b was discovered using the SuperWASP transit survey, which detects exoplanets by monitoring the slight dimming of a star's light as a planet passes in front of it. The discovery was published in 2009 by a team led by Leslie Hebb.
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