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WASP-12b

Distance:870 light-years

WASP-12b is a unique hot Jupiter known for its extreme temperatures, significant tidal heating, and intriguing atmospheric composition, making it a key target for studying gas giants and planetary evolution.

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Overview of WASP-12b

WASP-12b is a fascinating exoplanet located approximately 870 light-years away in the constellation Auriga and is classified as a "hot Jupiter" due to its large size and close proximity to its host star, WASP-12.

Discovery

WASP-12b was discovered in 2008 as part of the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP) project, which aims to detect transiting exoplanets.

Characteristics of WASP-12b

Mass: ~0.46 Jupiter masses (~445.2 Earth masses)
Radius: ~1.8 Jupiter radii (~19.8 Earth radii)
Orbital period: 1.1 days
Distance from its star: 0.022 AU
Surface temperature: Estimated to be around 2,500K(2,200 °C)

Habitability Potential

The extreme conditions of WASP-12b, including high temperatures, a hostile atmosphere, and lack of a solid surface, render it inhospitable for life.