Scientists uncover the fastest winds ever recorded on an exoplanet, raising new questions about distant atmospheres and planetary science

WASP-127b, a massive gas giant located 520 light-years from Earth, has shocked scientists with winds reaching speeds of 33,000 km/h—faster than anything previously recorded on a planet. This discovery, reported in Astronomy & Astrophysics, reveals that the winds whip around the planet’s equator at a pace far beyond Earth’s jet streams, which max out at 442 km/h.

The exoplanet, which is about 30% larger than Jupiter but only 16% as massive, has a remarkably low density, hinting at an exceptionally stretched atmosphere. This “hot Jupiter,” with temperatures ranging between 730°C and 1,127°C, sits close to its host star, experiencing intense radiation that drives its winds and affects atmospheric dynamics.

Scientists, led by Lisa Nortmann and David Cont, used the CRIRES+ tool on the Very Large Telescope in Chile to make their observations. The high winds on WASP-127b challenge current atmospheric models of exoplanets, suggesting that multiple factors, including stellar radiation, may contribute to the planet’s dynamic weather system.

Looking ahead, researchers are eager to delve deeper into the forces shaping these winds, which could offer valuable insights into other distant exoplanets and the weather patterns that govern them. As the study of WASP-127b continues, it paves the way for understanding more about the complex atmospheres of planets beyond our solar system, pushing the boundaries of space science.