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

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.