Astronomers have made an extraordinary discovery using the powerful Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) at The University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory.
They have observed a planet called HAT-P-32b, which is losing its atmosphere through massive jets of helium, resulting in the formation of some of the longest tails of gas ever observed around a planet.
This groundbreaking finding sheds light on the dynamic nature of planetary atmospheres beyond our solar system.
The astonishing tails of HAT-P-32b
HAT-P-32b is a colossal planet, nearly twice the size of Jupiter, and it is experiencing a fascinating phenomenon.
Gas tails, more than 50 times the length of the planet’s radius, have been detected trailing both in front of and behind the planet as it moves through space.
The immense scale of these tails in relation to the planet and its host star has left astronomers in awe.
How the tails were detected
To study the atmospheres of planets outside our solar system, astronomers rely on a technique called transit observation.
During a transit, the planet passes in front of its parent star, allowing scientists to analyze the light that passes through the planet’s atmosphere. B
y breaking down the light into its spectrum, known as spectroscopy, astronomers can determine the presence of different elements.
In the case of HAT-P-32b, previous studies had hinted at the existence of gas tails. However, the true size of these tails remained unknown until now.
The researchers embarked on a comprehensive observation campaign using the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, capturing multiple transit events of HAT-P-32b. By observing the planet for its entire orbit, the astronomers revealed the full extent of its astonishing tails.
The origin of HAT-P-32b’s tails
The tails surrounding HAT-P-32b are likely the result of its parent star’s intense heat causing the planet’s atmosphere to expand dramatically.
HAT-P-32b belongs to a class of planets known as “hot Jupiters” due to their large size, high temperature, and close proximity to their stars.
The intense heat from the star causes the gas in the planet’s atmosphere to expand to such an extent that it escapes the planet’s gravitational pull and forms extended tails in orbit around the star.
This remarkable discovery of HAT-P-32b’s gas tails provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between planets and their parent stars.
By studying hot Jupiters like HAT-P-32b in detail, astronomers can gain a deeper understanding of planetary systems as a whole. The HET, with its cutting-edge instrumentation, is an ideal tool for investigating planetary atmospheres beyond our solar system.
Its ability to conduct high-precision and long-term observations of specific areas of the sky allows scientists to detect and study similar phenomena on other planets.
Looking ahead
The findings from the HET Exospheres Project, which uncovered HAT-P-32b’s extraordinary gas tails, open doors to further exploration of distant planetary atmospheres.
With the possibility of other planets harboring extended escaping atmospheres, ongoing monitoring and analysis can unveil new revelations and deepen our understanding of the vast universe that surrounds us.
By delving into the mysteries of planets far beyond our solar system, astronomers continue to broaden our knowledge of the cosmos and inspire future generations of explorers and scientists.
Source: University of Texas.
