WASP-12b facts for kids
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WASP-12b is a super interesting planet that orbits a star called WASP-12. It's an extrasolar planet, which means it's a planet outside our own solar system. NASA says WASP-12b is one of the hottest planets ever discovered! It's much, much hotter than even Venus, which is the hottest planet in our solar system.
This giant planet is incredibly close to its star, only about 2 million miles away. To give you an idea, that's like being almost right next to a giant bonfire! WASP-12b is a gas giant, meaning it's mostly made of gases, just like Jupiter in our solar system. In fact, it's even bigger than Jupiter.
A Planet on Fire
The average temperature on WASP-12b can reach an incredible 1500 degrees Celsius (about 2730 degrees Fahrenheit). Imagine how hot that is! To put it in perspective, Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun in our solar system, only has an average temperature of about 427 degrees Celsius (800 degrees Fahrenheit). WASP-12b is more than three times hotter than Mercury!
Why is it so hot?
WASP-12b is so hot because it's extremely close to its star. The star's powerful heat blasts the planet constantly. This extreme heat and closeness also cause something amazing to happen. The star's strong gravity is actually pulling material away from WASP-12b. This creates a long, glowing trail of gas behind the planet, making it look a bit like a comet flying through space!
Images for kids
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Hot, carbon-rich planet WASP-12b and its host star. (Exoplanet color was unknown at the time of this artist conception).
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WASP-12b and its host star, WASP-12 − with IR spectra noting the presence of various chemical molecules.
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Comparison of "hot Jupiter" exoplanets - from top left to lower right: WASP-12b, WASP-6b, WASP-31b, WASP-39b, HD 189733b, HAT-P-12b, WASP-17b, WASP-19b, HAT-P-1b and HD 209458b.
See also
In Spanish: WASP-12b para niños
