WASP-8b

WASP-8b
Exoplanet List of exoplanets

Size comparison of WASP-8b with Jupiter.
Parent star
Star WASP-8
Constellation Sculptor
Right ascension (α) 23h 59m 36.07s
Declination (δ) −35° 01′ 52.9″
Apparent magnitude (mV) 9.9
Distance160 ly
(49 pc)
Spectral type G6
Mass (m) 1.00+0.02
−0.03 M☉
Orbital elements
Semi-major axis(a) 0.0793 AU
Orbital period(P) 8.16 d
Physical characteristics
Mass(m)2.23 MJ
Radius(r)1.17 RJ
Density(ρ)1.85[1] g cm−3
Surface gravity(g)4.30 g
Temperature (T) 950 (varies)[2]
Discovery information
Discovery date April 1, 2008
Discoverer(s) Cameron et al. (SuperWASP)
Discovery method Transit
Discovery status Confirmed

WASP-8b is an extrasolar planet discovered (with their stars) in the SuperWASP batch -6b to -15b. On 1 April 2008, Dr. Don Pollacco of Queen’s University Belfast announced them at the RAS National Astronomy Meeting (NAM 2008).[3]

At 49 parsecs away, this system is the closest of the WASP-discovered systems: closer to Earth than are HD 17156 and HD 149026. It is denser than Jupiter. If it were possible to stand on its surface, one would experience a gravitational pull of approximately 4 1⁄3g, resulting in difficulty breathing and eventual brain damage.

The planet orbits retrograde.[4][5]

The equilibrium temperature is 950 K, but this oscillates due to eccentricity.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Density is calculated from the mass and the radius, assuming a circular disc of eclipse relative to the Earth.
  2. 1 2 Patricio Cubillos et al., "The Characterization of the Cool and Eccentric Exoplanet WASP-8b with Spitzer" in DPS Annual Meeting session "103.Extrasolar Planets: Atmospheric Chemistry and Characterization" (Monday, Oct 15, 2012, 11:40 AM -11:50 AM).
  3. ↑ "THE (SUPER)WASP FACTORY FINDS 10 NEW PLANETS IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS". 2008. Retrieved 2009-05-13.
  4. ↑ European Southern Observatory. "Artist’s impression of an exoplanet WASP 8b in a retrograde orbit".
  5. ↑ Didier Queloz; et al. (2010). "WASP-8b: a retrograde transiting planet in a multiple system". Astronomy and Astrophysics 517: L1. arXiv:1006.5089. Bibcode:2010A&A...517L...1Q. doi:10.1051/0004-6361/201014768.

External links

Media related to WASP-8b at Wikimedia Commons

Coordinates: 23h 59m 36.07s, −35° 01′ 52.9″

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