Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by creating the first-ever 3D map of an atmosphere on a planet outside our solar system.
The unprecedented mapping has revealed extraordinary weather patterns on WASP-121b, a distant world that exhibits features never before seen on any planet.
Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, researchers have uncovered a complex system of winds that transport chemical elements through the planet's atmosphere in intricate patterns.
The discovery marks a major breakthrough in understanding the atmospheric dynamics and weather systems of alien worlds.
Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking milestone
Getty
"This planet's atmosphere behaves in ways that challenge our understanding of how weather works – not just on Earth, but on all planets", said Julia Victoria Seidel from the European Southern Observatory.
"It feels like something out of science fiction", she added.
Dr Seidel, who led the study, expressed surprise at their findings. "What we found was surprising: a jet stream rotates material around the planet's equator, while a separate flow at lower levels of the atmosphere moves gas from the hot side to the cooler side".
"This kind of climate has never been seen before on any planet. Even the strongest hurricanes in the Solar System seem calm in comparison".
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The unprecedented mapping has revealed extraordinary weather patterns on WASP-121b, a distant world that exhibits features never before seen on any planet
ESO/M. Kornmesser
A massive jet stream spans half the planet, churning up the atmosphere as it crosses the permanently sun-facing side.
The planet's weather system features two distinct flow patterns: a jet stream rotating material around the equator, whilst a separate flow at lower atmospheric levels moves gas between hot and cold regions.
These powerful winds create weather patterns that make even the strongest hurricanes in our Solar System appear mild in comparison.
The complex atmospheric movements demonstrate unprecedented climate behaviour, revealing a world that defies conventional planetary weather models.
The research also revealed surprising findings about the planet's chemical composition.
Scientists discovered titanium in the jet stream, contradicting previous observations that suggested its absence.
"It's truly mind-blowing that we're able to study details like the chemical makeup and weather patterns of a planet at such a vast distance", said Bibiana Prinoth, a PhD student at Lund University, Sweden, and ESO, who led a companion study.
