The "roasting marshmallow" exoplanet you're likely referring to is WASP-121b, an ultra-hot Jupiter with a dayside temperature of around 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit (2,500 degrees Celsius). At these temperatures, metals like iron and nickel are vaporized into the atmosphere, and strong winds carry them to the cooler night side where they condense and fall as metallic rain.
The formation of WASP-121b is still a topic of research, but here are some key points:
- Formation location: Standard planetary formation models suggest that WASP-121b should have formed farther away from its star, similar to Jupiter and Saturn in our solar system, before migrating inwards. However, recent studies of its chemical composition have challenged this idea.
- Chemical composition: The high temperature of WASP-121b allows astronomers to observe the vaporized metals in its atmosphere.
2 These observations can provide clues about the planet's formation location and history. - Migration: It's possible that WASP-121b formed further out and then migrated inwards due to gravitational interactions with other planets or the star itself. This migration could have significantly altered the planet's composition and atmosphere.
Overall, the formation of WASP-121b and other ultra-hot Jupiters is a complex process that is still not fully understood. Further research and observations are needed to unravel the mysteries of these extreme worlds.
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