Molten iron rains to raging titanium winds: Scientists reveal the first 3D map of an alien planet's weather

Astronomers Unveil 3D Map of Distant Exoplanet’s Atmosphere. (Image: AI generated)

Scientists have taken a new step in exploring distant worlds. They have mapped the 3D structure of an exoplanet’s atmosphere. The study reveals powerful winds carrying iron, sodium, and titanium across its skies. The planet, WASP-121b, lies about 900 light-years away.

A Scorching Planet with Extreme Weather
WASP-121b, also called Tylos, is an ultra-hot gas giant. It orbits its star in just 30 Earth hours. One side faces the star, reaching 2,700°C, hot enough to vaporise iron. The cooler side remains in darkness, creating extreme weather conditions.

Tylos (also known as WASP-121b) is a massive gas exoplanet situated about 900 light-years away in the constellation Puppis. Scientists used the ESPRESSO instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) to study its atmosphere, uncovering its 3D structure. (Image: ESO)

Using ESO’s Very Large Telescope, researchers found distinct wind patterns. A jet stream moves material around the planet’s equator. Another flow carries gas from the hot side to the cooler side. This creates violent storms unlike anything seen before.

Uncovering Chemical Signatures in the Atmosphere
Scientists detected iron, sodium, and hydrogen in different layers. They also found titanium just below the jet stream. Previous studies suggested its absence, but it was likely hidden deeper.

This diagram shows the structure and motion of the atmosphere of the exoplanet Tylos (WASP-121b). The exoplanet is shown from above in this figure, looking at one of its poles. (Image: ESO)

The team used the ESPRESSO instrument to study the planet’s skies. By collecting light from all four telescope units, they detected faint atmospheric details. This research could help future studies of smaller, Earth-like planets.

Larger telescopes like ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope will be needed. This telescope, now under construction, will reveal more about distant planetary atmospheres. Scientists believe these discoveries mark a step toward understanding habitable worlds.

This study is published in Journal Nature