Astronomers at Ohio State University have discovered KELT-9b, a planet three times the size of Jupiter and the hottest exoplanet ever identified. Its proximity to its star means temperatures reach over 7,800°F, causing life-sustaining molecules to be unable to exist. The planet also receives violent radiation, which could cause it to evaporate completely.
Ohio State University astronomers have discovered a large planet called KELT-9b, which is nearly three times the size of Jupiter and is believed to be the hottest exoplanet ever identified. KELT-9b is so close to its star, KELT-9, that temperatures on the orbiting planet reach more than 7,800 degrees Fahrenheit (4,300 degrees Celsius). That unimaginable level of heat means that life-sustaining molecules like water and carbon dioxide cannot exist.
Getting smaller every day:
Astronomers say the planet receives such violent radiation that it could eventually evaporate completely. They calculate that UV rays can vaporize more than 10 million tons of material every second.
If the planet is reduced to its core, the remnants of KELT-9b could continue to orbit the star, just as arid Mercury still orbits our sun.
Astronomers have observed the distant planet using robotic telescopes in Arizona and South Africa. The study was published in the journal Nature.
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