Scientists discover exoplanet with supersonic winds — the fastest in the known universe

Supersonic winds on exoplanet WASP-127b reach 20,500 mph, studied using a spectrograph.

: Winds on exoplanet WASP-127b, discovered in 2016, reach 20,500 mph, the highest recorded in the universe. The planet is a gas giant, slightly larger than Jupiter but only 16% as massive, located 520 light-years from Earth. Researchers led by Lisa Nortmann utilized a Very Large Telescope spectrograph to analyze its atmosphere. Supersonic jet winds were detected at the equator, with significant speed variations across the planet's surface.

Astronomers have observed extraordinary winds on a distant exoplanet known as WASP-127b. These winds, reaching speeds of 20,500 miles per hour, are the fastest measured on any planet, driven by a unique set of dynamics in the planet's atmosphere.

Located 520 light-years from Earth, WASP-127b is a gas giant that is slightly larger than Jupiter but only 16% as massive. The research, conducted by Lisa Nortmann from the University of Göttingen, employed a spectrograph on Chile's Very Large Telescope to study the planet's atmospheric components.

Their method detected carbon monoxide and water vapor and revealed supersonic winds concentrated around the planet's equator. These findings underscore the complexity of the planet's weather systems and highlight WASP-127b's intriguing differences in temperature between its morning and evening sides.