Hot Gas-Giant Exoplanet WASP-43 b (Artist’s Concept) (IMAGE)
Caption
This artist’s concept shows what the hot gas-giant exoplanet WASP-43 b could look like. WASP-43 b is a Jupiter-sized planet roughly 280 light-years away, in the constellation Sextans. The planet orbits its star at a distance of about 1.3 million miles, completing one circuit in about 19.5 hours. Because it is so close to its star, WASP-43 b is probably tidally locked: Its rotation rate and orbital period are the same, such that one side faces the star at all times.
Credit
Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI)
Usage Restrictions
No restrictions.
License
Public Domain