Using data collected from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have created a global temperature map of the hot gas-giant exoplanet WASP-43 b. The map is based on the brightness of mid-infrared light detected from the planet in the 5- to 12-micron range by the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the telescope. This type of light is emitted by hot objects, with brighter emissions indicating higher temperatures.
Despite being too close to its star to be visible on its own, scientists were able to determine the brightness of WASP-43 b by measuring the total brightness of the star-planet system and subtracting the amount of light coming directly from the star. This subtraction was done by observing the system when the planet was behind the star, revealing its unique emissions.
The James Webb Space Telescope observations allowed scientists to measure each side of WASP-43 b as it completed a full 19.5-hour orbit. Being tidally locked, the planet’s rotation rate matches its orbital period, causing different sides to come into view as it moves around its star.
WASP-43 b has an average daytime temperature of 2,280°F (1,250°C) and a nighttime temperature of 1,115°F (600°C). The temperature map also indicates that
