Unraveling the Secrets of Exoplanet WASP-43 b: A Global Temperature Map Reveals Its Extreme Heat and Cloudy Conditions
The global temperature map of the hot gas-giant exoplanet WASP-43 b was created using data collected from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. The map is based on the brightness of mid-infrared light detected from the planet in the 5- to 12-micron range by the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the telescope. This type of light is emitted by hot objects, with brighter emissions indicating higher temperatures.
WASP-43 b is too close to its star to be visible on its own, but its brightness can be determined by measuring the total brightness of the star-planet system and subtracting the amount of light coming directly from the star. This subtraction is done by observing the system when the planet is behind the star, revealing its unique emissions.
The James Webb Space Telescope allowed for measurements of each side of WASP-43 b as it completed a full 19.5-hour orbit. The planet is tidally locked, causing different sides to come into view as it moves around its star. Despite being too far away to see with our own eyes, we can now see that WASP-43 b has an average daytime temperature of 2,280°F (1,250°C) and a nighttime temperature of 1,115°F (600°C).
What makes this even more fascinating is that WASP-43 b’s nightside appears likely covered in thick high clouds that trap some of
